The influence of season and sex on rumen fluid and hematobiochemical constituents of Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Egypt

AbstractAlpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a South American camelid that was introduced recently to Egypt and considered a zoo animal in different country zoos. There are no available data regarding the normal values of rumen fluid and hematobiochemical constituents of alpacas bred in Egypt.  The aim of this study was to estimate normal values for rumen fluid and blood constituents of alpaca and determine the influence of season and sex on these parameters under Egyptian circumstances. The study was conducted on seventeen (8 female and 9 male); 2–6 years apparently healthy alpacas. Rumen fluid and blood samples were taken from each animal (from August 2022 to February 2023) and divided into summer and winter samples. Rumen fluid constituents were influenced by seasonal changes and showed a significant (p <  0.05) increase in the total protozoal count in summer, while in winter, rumen fluid pH and ammonia values were significantly (p <  0.05) increased. For hematology, the effect of season was evident in the red blood cells count and packed cell volume, which increased significantly (p <  0.05) in winter. Regarding serum biochemistry, winter showed significant (p <  0.05) elevation in glucose, urea and magnesium levels, while summer had significantly (p <  0.05) increased chloride levels. The effect of sex was minimal, and only glucose and creatinine values showed significant (p <  0.05) increases in males compared to females. The effect ...
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research