Hematology and Blood Chemistry Values in Juvenile Ostriches (Struthio camelus) Under Sub-Tropical Conditions of India

An accurate hematology and biochemical value is an indicator of its impending health condition. Information available on the physiological conditions in ostriches is very scanty. An attempt was made to assess the hematologic and biochemical values of ostriches reared in this institute. Juvenile ostriches (12-16 weeks) were selected for this purpose. Blood was collected from the brachial vein. The following mean values were obtained: Total erythrocyte count = 1.68±0.02x1012 L-1, Packed cell volume = 34.16±0.79, Hemoglobin Concentration = 112.5±3.35 g L-1, Total leukocyte count = 7.95±0.53x109 L-1, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate = 1.68±0.17 mm h-1, Heterophils = 62.17±0.94%, Monocytes = 1.50±0.22%, Lymphocytes = 31.17±0.79%, Eosinophils = 1.33±0.21% and Basophils = 3.83±0.31%, Total protein = 3.80±0.17 g dL-1, SGOT = 17.32±0.37 IU dL-1, Alkaline phosphatase = 15.46±0.44 KA units, Glucose = 185.25±10.06 mg dL-1, Cholesterol = 54.69±2.57 mg dL-1, Albumin = 2.25±0.06 g dL-1 and Globulin = 1.55±2.57 mg dL-1. These blood values would enable us to monitor the health status of the ostriches.