Biochemische Serumparameter bei in Gefangenschaft gehaltenen Gazellen

Objective: This study aimed at comparing serum parameters of clinically healthy gazelles of Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), Qatar, with reference ranges of domestic and other wild ruminants, in order to gain, on the one hand, insight into the nutritional status of the animals, and, on the other hand, to establish reference ranges for the investigated species. Material and methods: Serum biochemistry parameters and mineral levels were measured in 250 clinically healthy individuals of the species Soemmering's gazelle (Gazella soemmerringii ), Speke's gazelle (Gazella spekei), Dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas), Saudi gazelle ( Gazella saudiya), Mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella), Arabian goitered gazelle ( Gazella subgutturosa marica) and Chinkara Pakistani gazelle (Gazella benetti). Results: With respect to the nutritional status, the supplementation with trace elements (selenium, copper, zinc, iron) was adequate at AWWP, according to measured serum levels. In contrast, serum levels of phosphorus, total protein and albumin indicated a suboptimal feeding situation, most likely due to the low quality of the roughage available in the region. The levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, choride, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, ALTas well as GGT avtivity were as in other wild ruminants within the reference range of domestic ruminants, which therefore should be applicable to ruminants in general. The contents of glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatine kinase and ALP, in contrast, seem to be generally elevated in wild ruminants. While other wild ruminants display an AST activity comparable to those of domestic ruminants, gazelles of both this and other studies had elevated values of this enzyme. Conclusion and clinical relevance: These peculiarities need to be accounted for when interpreting blood values.