Hematologic variation values of captive red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) in South Brazil

Background: Reference hematological values for chelonians are uncommon, especially those that take account of seasonal variations. While there exists controversy over how climate influences hematological values in different reptile species, the identification of this influence would help with the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases that affect these species, often kept as pets. Chelonians are ectotherms and, therefore, intrinsic and extrinsic factors may affect physiological and hematological values, affecting the interpretation of clinical information on these species. The aims of this study were to assess the hematological values of captive red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) and to check their variation according to the cold and warmer seasons of the year. Materials, Methods &Results: Blood samples were collected from nine red-footed tortoises (C. carbonaria) of indeterminate sex and different ages, bred in captivity without control over environmental variables during one year, one each season (summer, fall, winter and spring). A total of 36 samples were considered to study. The colder seasons were collapsed together into one group that holds winter and fall (colds) and the months whit warmer weather spring and summer were grouped as a class called (warm). The complete blood count was performed manually, and medians, maximum values, and minimum [...](AU)

Hematologic variation values of captive red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) in South Brazil

Background: Reference hematological values for chelonians are uncommon, especially those that take account of seasonal variations. While there exists controversy over how climate influences hematological values in different reptile species, the identification of this influence would help with the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases that affect these species, often kept as pets. Chelonians are ectotherms and, therefore, intrinsic and extrinsic factors may affect physiological and hematological values, affecting the interpretation of clinical information on these species. The aims of this study were to assess the hematological values of captive red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) and to check their variation according to the cold and warmer seasons of the year. Materials, Methods &Results: Blood samples were collected from nine red-footed tortoises (C. carbonaria) of indeterminate sex and different ages, bred in captivity without control over environmental variables during one year, one each season (summer, fall, winter and spring). A total of 36 samples were considered to study. The colder seasons were collapsed together into one group that holds winter and fall (colds) and the months whit warmer weather spring and summer were grouped as a class called (warm). The complete blood count was performed manually, and medians, maximum values, and minimum [...]

The use of operant instrumental conditioning with positive reinforcement for collection of saliva from marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) for research purposes

In order to improve the welfare of captive wild animals used in research, it is necessary to apply methods that minimize the stress to which the animals are constantly subjected. Stress produces physiological changes that may interfere with the results of laboratory experiments, and voluntary cooperation through learning may minimize the anxiety experienced by laboratory animals. It is therefore important to develop non-invasive methods for the collection of biological samples and the performance of laboratory exams. The aim of this study was to train common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) for the collection of saliva samples. Instrumental operant conditioning with positive reinforcement (reward) was applied to 24 adult marmosets of both genders. All animals were satisfactorily conditioned for the rapid and effective collection of saliva samples.(AU)

Para que haja uma melhora no bem-estar de animais silvestres utilizados em pesquisa é necessário o emprego de técnicas que reduzam os efeitos estressantes, aos quais os animais são constantemente submetidos. Sabemos que o estresse pode ocasionar alterações fisiológicas podendo alterar os resultados de um experimento e que a cooperação voluntária obtida através do aprendizado pode minimizar sensações de ansiedade vivida por animais mantidos em laboratório. Sendo assim, a busca de métodos não-invasivos para a coleta de material biológico e exames laboratoriais é de grande importância. O objetivo do presente estudo foi condicionar um grupo de primatas Callithrix jacchus para coletas de saliva com finalidade de pesquisa. Para tanto utilizamos a técnica do condicionamento operante com auxílio instrumental e reforço positivo (recompensa) em 24 saguis adultos, de ambos os sexos. Segundo as condições deste estudo, o condicionamento para coleta de saliva foi realizado de forma satisfatória, rápida e eficiente demonstrando que a utilização do método de condicionamento instrumental com recompensa nesta espécie pode ser efetuado com sucesso.(AU)

The use of operant instrumental conditioning with positive reinforcement for collection of saliva from marmosets (callithrix jacchus) for research purposes

In order to improve the welfare of captive wild animals used in research, it is necessary to apply methods that minimize the stress to which the animals are constantly subjected. Stress produces physiological changes that may interfere with the results of laboratory experiments, and voluntary cooperation through learning may minimize the anxiety experienced by laboratory animals. It is therefore important to develop non-invasive methods for the collection of biological samples and the performance of laboratory exams. The aim of this study was to train common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) for the collection of saliva samples. Instrumental operant conditioning with positive reinforcement (reward) was applied to 24 adult marmosets of both genders. All animals were satisfactorily conditioned for the rapid and effective collection of saliva samples.

Para que haja uma melhora no bem-estar de animais silvestres utilizados em pesquisa é necessário o emprego de técnicas que reduzam os efeitos estressantes, aos quais os animais são constantemente submetidos. Sabemos que o estresse pode ocasionar alterações fisiológicas podendo alterar os resultados de um experimento e que a cooperação voluntária obtida através do aprendizado pode minimizar sensações de ansiedade vivida por animais mantidos em laboratório. Sendo assim, a busca de métodos não-invasivos para a coleta de material biológico e exames laboratoriais é de grande importância. O objetivo do presente estudo foi condicionar um grupo de primatas Callithrix jacchus para coletas de saliva com finalidade de pesquisa. Para tanto utilizamos a técnica do condicionamento operante com auxílio instrumental e reforço positivo (recompensa) em 24 saguis adultos, de ambos os sexos. Segundo as condições deste estudo, o condicionamento para coleta de saliva foi realizado de forma satisfatória, rápida e eficiente demonstrando que a utilização do método de condicionamento instrumental com recompensa nesta espécie pode ser efetuado com sucesso.