Hematologic and serum chemical values of adult female Rocky Mountain elk from New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Abstract

Hematologic and serum chemical values were determined for two groups of adult female Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) from New Mexico and Oklahoma. Although considerable variation in values was observed between elk from the same group, the mean values from 16 of the 20 blood parameters tested were significantly different between the two groups. Of these, the most significant variations were observed in values which were likely to be influenced by nutritional condition and health status. The results of this study indicate that when evaluating the health status of different herds kept under known conditions, hematologic and serum chemical values are of optimal significance when the mean values of the herds are compared.