Differences in serum biochemistry values based on age in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata)
Citation
McGlone C, Moresco A, Sanchez-Murillo F, Yarto-Jaramillo E, Citaku I, and Ange-van Heugten K. 2025. Differences in serum biochemistry values based on age in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). In Treiber K, Brooks M, D’amato-Anderson J, Nylander J, Eds. Proceedings of the Sixteenth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Oklahoma City, OK.
Abstract
Serum biochemistry values are an essential health assessment tool for proper care of animals in managed populations. For free-ranging wildlife, samples can be challenging to obtain and analyze due to collection constraints and transportation to laboratories. Comprehensive bloodwork parameters for the i-STAT Alinity V and Vetscan 2 analyzers have not yet been published for mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). Bloodwork data is also absent from the Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) database. The current project included 35 monkeys undergoing rehabilitation at International Animal Rescue, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica for release back into range habitats. During routine physical examinations, visually healthy individuals were anesthetized and blood was collected from the femoral vein. These samples were analyzed expediently to prevent time related impacts on the results. Twenty parameters were measured on the i-STAT Alinity V and Vetscan 2 analyzers: anion gap, blood urea nitrogen, chloride, creatinine, glucose, hematocrit, hemoglobin, ionized calcium, potassium, sodium, total carbon dioxide on the i-STAT, and albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, creatinine, globulin, glucose, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, total bilirubin, and total protein on the Vetscan 2. Statistical analysis (SAS, Cary, NC (P =0.05)) was performed to investigate differences between infants/juveniles and adults. Monkeys were divided into individuals that were < 18 mos (n = 11) and > 18 mo (n = 24 (iSTAT) and n = 21 (VetScan). This classification aligns with the age at which mantled howler monkeys are weaned naturally, as well as when formula is typically removed from the rations of managed animals. Age at admission was estimated by veterinary professionals using a combination of coat color, behavioral changes and weight. Albumin (P = 0.0095), calcium (P = 0.0019), and total protein (P = 0.015) were all higher in older animals on the VetScan 2. BUN trended higher in juveniles on both devices, but was only significant for the i-STAT Alinity V (P = 0.055 and P = 0.041, respectively). Ionized calcium results were significantly higher in older animals (P = 0.04) on the i-STATs. Glucose was visually much lower for young monkeys on both devices, although insignificant and alkaline phosphatase was visually quite higher in young animals. These results contribute data to develop normal ranges for biochemistry values in howler monkeys on two in-house analytical devices. Thereby strengthening tools for health assessments and to support dietary recommendations in this species via two age groups.
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