Blood mineral and vitamin E concentrations in llamas.
OBJECTIVE
To establish reference values for blood concentrations of total calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and vitamin E (Vit E) in clinically normal llamas.


METHODS
270 llamas ranging in age from < 1 month to > 15 years and grouped by age, sex, pregnancy status, and stage of gestation. Selected llamas were from 21 farms in Oregon, did not have previous health problems, and met specific health criteria on examination.


METHODS
Serum and blood samples were obtained and analyzed for concentrations of Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Se, Zn, and Vit E, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and percentage of transferrin saturation (% Sat). Mean differences by age, sex, pregnancy status, and stage of gestation, as well as all interactions, were compared to establish reference values.


RESULTS
Mean values and reference ranges for most of the minerals and vitamins were similar to previously reported values. Male versus female differences were not identified for any measurements. Age was a significant variable for Ca, P, Fe, and Se concentrations, as well as Ca-to-P ratio and TIBC. Identified age-based effects were modeled by use of linear regression. Copper and Zn concentrations and % Sat did not differ as a function of age. Serum Vit E concentration was influenced by an age by sex interaction and stage of gestation.


CONCLUSIONS
Age was found to be an important variable influencing many blood nutrient concentrations in healthy llamas.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical diagnosis of metabolic disease may be improved with use of age-based reference values, especially for neonates.
Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331-4802, USA.
B B
BB
Smith
R J
RJ
Van Saun
P J
PJ
Reed
A M
AM
Craig
A
A
Youngberg
D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000097:blood*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000097:blood*; D009919:Orchiectomy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
D004573:Electrolytes; D008903:Minerals; D014131:Trace Elements; D014810:Vitamin E