Pathophysiological significance of hematochemical parameters of Capra ibex

Reference values for hematochemical parameters in wild animals are difficult to obtain, because of the effects of capture stress or of the drugs used for chemical restraint. To establish reference values for Capra ibex, we examined 30 females culled monthly from January to May 1991 in the Grisons (CH). The following serum variables were studied: cortisol, non esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, calcium, inorganic phosphate. Values were compared with those of animals culled in the same period of 1990. The only significant differences were in serum cortisol and triglycerides, which were higher in 1991, when climatic conditions were less favourable. Serum NEFA were positively correlated with the animal's level of alertness. Most of the values of the serum parameters were within the range of those of the domestic goat.