Some blood parameters for Himilayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)

Authors: Familton AS, Gumbrell RC, Barrell GK
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 3, pp 34-35, Mar 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Goat, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Biochemistry/chemistry, Circulatory system/haematology, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Although the future of feral Himalayan tahr (also spelt thar) (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in New Zealand is uncertain small numbers of these animals are currently held in captivity in game parks and elsewhere. It is possible that some members of the veterinary profession may encounter this species in the course of their activities so we record here some blood parameters which may be of value for reference purposes. Blood samples were obtained from three adult males and four adult females on eight occasions spanning thirteen months. These tahr comprise the group that is kept on pasture at the Research Farm, Lincoln College by courtesy of the New Zealand Forest Service. The animals were mustered from a 0.5 ha paddock into yards and manually restrained. Blood was collected from the jugular vein using evacuated glass tubes. Fresh air-dried smears were made and blood was collected with and without anticoagulant (EDTA) for standard haematological and biochemical procedures performed at the Lincoln Animal Health Laboratory. No sedatives or anaesthetics were used and most animals displayed some degree of sampling stress (e.g. panting, pronounced venous pulse, attempts to escape)…

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