Cross‐sectional observational survey of serum biochemistry values in a population of 69 adult female alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in South Australia. Issue 4 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cockcroft, PD; Mackie, I; Perry, J; Caraguel, C; Townsend, K; Reichel, MP
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 94:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: alpacas -- biochemistry reference ranges; Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12421
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

Abstract : Blood samples were collected from 69 'healthy' female alpacas aged ≥12 months from 11 properties in South Australia. The 10–90 percentile ranges of the 16/19 analytes measured in this sample population were within the published ranges of four healthy alpaca populations from other geographic locations. Marginal exceptions were glutamate dehydrogenase and bicarbonate. Potassium was notably elevated, probably because of haemolysis of some samples. The sample size was insufficient to provide the appropriate statistical power to define diagnostic references ranges according to international standards. The health status of the sample population of alpacas was presumptive based on a physical examination.