Physiological and biochemical indicators in blood of captive yellow-cheeked gibbons and northern white-cheeked gibbons.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gibbons are recognized as a critically endangered primate taxon of significant conservation importance. Given their dwindling populations, accurate disease diagnosis, treatment, and management have become crucial for species preservation. However, the lack of established physiological and biochemical reference ranges currently poses substantial challenges to effective clinical assessment and disease identification in these primates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, blood samples were collected from the gibbons under anesthesia to ensure safe restraint during the procedure. Thirty-four hematological and biochemical parameters were measured from three yellow-cheeked gibbons (Nomascus gabriellae) and six northern white-cheeked gibbons (Nomascus leucogenys) maintained at Beijing Zoo. RESULTS: The results showed that there were no conspicuous differences in hematological indicators between two species (P>0.05). Furthermore, comparative analysis of hematological parameters between the clinically diseased individual presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms (anorexia and vomiting) and established normal physiological ranges revealed significantly elevated values in hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cell count (WBC), hematocrit (HCT), serum potassium (K), serum sodium (Na), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), serum creatinine (SCR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In contrast, neutrophil count (NSG) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were below normal reference values. Notably, both SCR and BUN exceeded normal ranges by more than three-fold. This suggests that this gibbon's indigestion was caused by impaired kidney function and reduced metabolic capacity. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first comprehensive measurement of thirty-four hematological indicators in both yellow-cheeked gibbons and northern white-cheeked gibbons, which provides reference for early disease diagnosis and clinical treatment of gibbons.