Comparison of Capillary Zone Electrophoresis in Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and American Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber)

Electrophoresis can be used to aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (eg, aspergillosis) in avian species. Reference intervals for blood plasma proteins of 2 different flamingo species (Phoenicopterus roseus and Phoenicopterus ruber) and their hybrids were calculated by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and differences between these species, sexes, and age groups were evaluated. Lithium-heparinized plasma samples from 111 animals from a zoological collection were analyzed by CZE and statistically evaluated. Differences were only found between greater and American flamingos (P = .003) and between greater flamingos and hybrids (P = .001) in the gamma-globulin fraction. Male greater flamingos showed significantly higher alpha-globulins (P = .022) and females higher total albumin by CZE (P = .037). In American flamingos, the percent total albumin (P = .017), total albumin (P = .025), prealbumin (P = .005), and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio (P = .008) were higher in females, and alpha- (P = .023) and beta-globulins (P = .021) were higher in males of the same species. The following parameters differed significantly between the age groups: gamma-globulins (P = .048) in greater and alpha- (P = .021) and beta-globulins (P = .001) in American flamingos increased with increased age and percent total albumin (P = .002), total albumin (P = .024), and A/G ratio (P = .002) decreased with age in American flamingos. The results showed only small differences between the species, but greater differences between the sexes and ages, especially in American flamingos, which must be considered when interpreting laboratory results.

Automated summary

Electrophoresis was used to analyze plasma protein differences in flamingo species, revealing variations between species, sexes, and age groups. The study showed significant distinctions in certain protein fractions and levels based on sex and age, particularly in American flamingos.