Serum biochemical values and mineral contents of tissues in Przewalski’s and Tibetan gazelles

Abstract

Reference values were established for some serum hematological and biochemical constituents in Przewaiski’s and Tibetan gazelles in China. The contents of mineral elements in the blood, hair, liver, lung and muscle of Przewaiski’s and Tibetan gazelles were also measured. All values are reported for the first time for Przewaiski’s and Tibetan gazelles. Most hematological and serum biochemical values were similar to those of Tibet sheep, yaks, and camels, but the mean serum albumin concentration and the albumin/globulin ratio in Przewaiski’s and Tibetan gazelles were significantly higher than those in other ruminants and the mean thyroxine (T₄) concentration was half that in Tibet sheep. Liver contains the highest concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe). Hair contains higher amount of Sulphur (S). The concentrations of cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), S and Mn from Przewaiski’s and Tibetan gazelles in the blood, hair, liver, lung and muscle were within the reference range for other ruminants. The concentration of selenium (Se) from Przewaiski’s gazelles in the blood and liver was significantly lower than that in Tibetan gazelles.

Key words: Przewaiski’s gazelle, Tibetan gazelle, minerals, hematological values, biochemical constituents.