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Reference ranges for biochemical and haematological values in farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) yearlings |
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| Authors: | JM MILLAN A JANMAAT KC RICHARDSON LK CHAMBERS KR FOMIATTI |
| Institution: | Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, GPO Box 990, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801;Division of Veterinary and Biochemical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150 |
| Abstract: | Objective To determine reference ranges for healthy yearling farmed saltwater crocodiles by performing routine biochemical and haematological laboratory tests on blood samples. Design A clinico-pathological study. Procedure Blood samples were collected from 120 healthy yearlings from four Northern Territory crocodile farms and body weight and length were measured. All animals had been fasted for 2 days before sample collection. Routine biochemical analytes were determined on 120 samples and haematological values determined on 30 samples (from one farm). Results Reference ranges for biochemical and haemato-logical values were determined for farmed yearling saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory. Conclusion The results were comparable with published reference ranges for other crocodilian species. Other published results of haematological values from saltwater crocodiles were from very young (6-week-old) hatchlings and older (2- to 4-year-old) crocodiles. Differences in values were presumed to be caused by age-related factors. |
| Keywords: | Crocodile yearling biochemistry haematology |