Plasma chemistry in booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) during breeding season.
Most studies that have examined raptor plasma chemistry have been conducted on birds living in captivity. In this study, we describe typical plasma chemistry values indicators of body condition in free-living Booted Eagles, Hieraaetus pennatus, from Doñana National Park (Spain). Values are compared with those of other raptors. Mean concentrations of creatinine, uric acid and urea were lower in adults than in nestlings, while glucose, DAT and AAT were lower in nestlings than in adults. Interactions of age/sex affected plasma mean levels of creatine kinase, glucose, AAT, uric acid and urea. Adult females showed significantly lower levels of creatine kinase, uric acid and urea than adult males and nestlings. Adult males had significantly higher levels of AAT than the other groups. The lowest levels of glucose and the highest levels of uric acid were found in nestling females. We think the differences in blood parameters can be explained by differences in size of species, of individuals (because of both body condition and sexual dimorphism) and diet.
Casado
Eva
E
Department of Applied Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Pabellón del Perú, Avda. María Luisa s/n, E-41013 Seville, Spain. casado@ebd.csic.es
Balbontin
Javier
J
Ferrer
Miguel
M
D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001824:Body Constitution; D020307:Eagles / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons; D012727:Sex Characteristics