Hematology and blood chemistry of free-living young great bustards (Otis tarda)

1. 1. We studied the hematology and blood chemistry of young Great Bustards (Otis tarda). 2. 2. Red cell numbers (2,460,000 cell/mm3), hemoglobin content (11.7g/100ml) and hematocrit (41%) are smaller than in previously studied captive adults, whereas leukocytes numbers (11,000 cell/mm3) are lower. 3. 3. Heterophils (38%) and lymphocytes (47%) are in similar proportions. Eosinophils are also abundant (14%), the other white cell types being more scarce (basophils 2%, monocytes 4%). 4. 4. Plasma uric acid level (22mg/100ml) is higher than urea level (17mg/100ml). Cholesterol and triglycerides plasma concentrations are 132 and 83mg/100ml, respectively. 5. 5. Plasma protein levels (3.6g/100ml) are similar to that previously found in adult captive animals.