Hemogram and Biochemical Reference Values for Brotogeris chiriri (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae)

Abstract

Despite the large distribution of the Yellow-chevroned Parakeet in Cerrado biome, there are few studies on biological parameters in this species. The lack of information on free-living parakeets is a limiting factor for establishing data on the health and conservation status of these species. The aim of this study was to standardize hemogram and blood biochemistry values for specimens of Brotogeris chiriri. Blood samples were collected from 21 young, clinically healthy and free-living specimens from the Cerrado biome. The mean, median, standard deviation and intervals were calculated for the following hematological parameters: packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), leukocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and thrombocytes; and blood biochemistry parameters: uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin. Lower values of hemoglobin, MCV and MCHC when compared to the erythrogram interval of species belonging to the same genus and family, as well as a lymphocytic leukogram. The parameters related to blood biochemistry showed differences for alkaline phosphatase, presenting higher means values; and alanine aminotransferase, total protein and albumin, presenting lower means values when compared to other psittacids. This is a pioneer study to establish hematological and biochemical values for Brotogeris chiriri in the Cerrado biome. The importance of developing further studies to determine specific parameters for psittacid species is emphasized, with special regards to the effects of different stages of development, habitats and condition.