Serum biochemical profile of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) reared in captivity

Abstract

The emu, also known as Australian ostrich (Dromaius novaehollandiae), is a bird species native to the Australian plains. It is considered the largest bird in Oceania, and the second largest in the world. The correct interpretation of the serological analyses is essential in the development and implementation of sanitary control measures for emus bred and reared in captivity. This study calculates a reference interval for the biochemical profile of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, uric acid, glucose, total proteins and cholesterol in captive emus during pre-hatching and hatching stages, and compares the biochemical parameters of sera of males and females. Increased AST and cholesterol levels were observed in animals that initiated the hatching period. The values of the other parameters decreased. After hatching, all parameters exhibited a trend towards normal values. The results may be useful in the development of new breeding practices for the species, and enlarge the data available for emus.

Keywords

• Biochemistry
• electrolyte
• enzymes
• emus
• sanity