Hematology Profile of Guinea Pigs [ Cavia porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758)] Based on Sex and Age

Abstract

Guinea pigs or Cavia porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758) is small herbivorous rodent from South America. Guinea pigs (GP) are commonly used as experimental animals, pets, food, and animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Based on these benefits, the health of GP must be considered. Blood is essential biological sample as it describes the physiological condition and health status of the individual. Publication of the hematological profile of GP reared in foreign countries is numerous, otherwise Indonesia is very limited. This study aimed to provide data on complete blood counts (CBC) of GP based on sex and age. Sample animals were sourced from the local animal market in Yogyakarta. Sex and age were determined based on body weight and the development of the external genital organs. Blood sampling was collected from the orbital sinus after seven days of acclimatization in our animal facility. Assessment of CBC was performed using fully automated hematology analyzer Sysmex  XP-100. Results showed differences (some of which were significant) in the profile of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes between individuals of different sexes and ages. Our results are following the hematological profile of GP from references; however, we found some discrepancies and uniqueness in our work due to different environmental conditions, care management or husbandry as well as disease and nutrition.