Haematology and blood chemistry references values for clinically healthy red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus)

Red-wattled lapwings (Vanellus indicus) are medium-sized birds endemic to the wetlands of south and west Asia. Their population is decreasing due to loss of habitat, shrinkage of wetlands and poaching. Fifty-two red-wattled lapwings (RWL) were captured from wetlands of Punjab province during summer, 2014 (n = 52). All birds appeared to be in good body condition and no abnormalities were noted during physical examination. Haematological and plasma biochemical parameters of RWL of both sexes were analysed in order to determine reference values, taking sex and age into account. No statistical differences in haematology and blood chemistry parameters were observed between genders within age groups except for CH and TG which were significantly higher in females. Differences between juveniles (J) and adults (A) were identified for TPP (J A) and MCHC (J > A), urea (J < A), uric acid (J < A) and creatinine (J < A). These results provide reliable reference values for the clinical interpretation of haematologic results for the species. Haematology and blood chemistry may be important tools for population health investigations on wetland RWL populations and will also be essential to differentiate health and diseased status of birds in future disease surveillance programmes.