Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Free-Ranging Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Poland

Simple Summary In wildlife management, it is often necessary to capture live animals for resettlement or to collect biological samples. The method of trapping deer significantly affects the values of the vital parameters determining their welfare. This study provides hematological and serum biochemical intervals for physically captured free-ranging roe deer. The RBC, HCT, and Hb values were significantly lower in males than in females. These results may be helpful to create reference ranges for roe deer. This study presents the hematological and serum biochemical values of physically captured roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The study material was blood sampled from roe deer captured with the use of a specialist trap mesh and no anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from 122 roe deer from January to April in 2016, 2017, and 2018 in the Lublin region of Poland. The hematological and biochemical variables were determined with results showing statistically significant differences between the mean values of RBC, HCT, and HB according to sex. Reference intervals should be more specific to the broad physical versus chemical capture categories.

Automated summary

In wildlife management, capturing live animals for resettlement or collecting biological samples is often necessary. The method of trapping deer significantly affects their welfare parameters. This study provides hematological and serum biochemical intervals for physically captured free-ranging roe deer. The results show significant differences in RBC, HCT, and HB values according to sex.