title: Hematology and serum chemistry values of the lesser rhea (Pterocnemia pennata) raised in Patagonian farms (Argentina).
abstract: Hematologic and serum chemistry values were determined for chicks, juveniles, and adult farmed lesser rheas (Prerocnemia pennata). Blood samples were taken during March-April 1998 from the brachial veins of lesser rhea, including 64 chicks, 24 juveniles, and 36 adults, raised in Patagonian farms (Argentina). Lesser rhea chicks had significantly lower erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cell indices, and copper than did the juveniles and adult individuals. No significant differences were observed between females and males. Most values were similar to those reported for other ratites. The data obtained provide hematologic and serum chemistry values for lesser rhea from farms.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), INTA Bariloche Animal Health Unit, CC 277, Bariloche 8400, Rio Negro, Argentina.
authors.forename: Elizabeth Chang
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Reissig
authors.forename: Carlos A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Robles
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sager
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001118:Argentina; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D012016:Reference Values; D020311:Rheiformes / Q000097:blood*