title: Hematologic and serum biochemical reference intervals of the Oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana) and the application of an automatic hematologic analyzer.
abstract: This study was conducted to establish accurate baseline values of clinical laboratory data with regard to age-related changes in the Oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana). In addition, the availability of an automated hematological cell counter was evaluated. A total of 94 clinically normal storks, including 64 young storks (＜1 year old; 30 male and 34 female) and 30 adults (＞ 1 year old; 17 male and 13 female) were included. Hematological assays were performed using manual and automated cell counters and serum biochemistry profiles were examined using an automated analyzer. There were no significant differences in any parameters between male and female storks, while 16 parameters were significantly different between young and adult storks. Of these 16 parameters, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, triglyceride, total bilirubin, potassium, white blood cell count, packed cell volume, mean cell volume and hemoglobin levels were higher in adult storks than in young storks, while the latter showed higher glucose, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as a higher sodium/potassium ratio. The results presented herein will aid researchers who work for the conservation and rehabilitation of this endangered species.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Wildlife Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Ik
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Wildlife Center of Chungbuk, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye-Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Medical Center, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.
authors.forename: Ki-Jeong
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Na
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000097:blood*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary*; D002452:Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D056727:Endangered Species; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors
keywords: Ciconia boyciana; hematology; reference interval; serum biochemistry; stork