Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and trace element reference values for free-ranging adult Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Polar Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Blood parameters (hematology and biochemistry) are useful in assessing the physiological, nutritional, and overall health status of both captive and free-ranging wildlife. In this study, we established baseline values for blood parameters (hematology, plasma biochemistry, and trace elements) of free-ranging adult Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) sampled at ten breeding colonies covering their full latitudinal distribution in Patagonia over two decades. Males had higher packed cell volume, heterophil and eosinophil relative counts, total solids, copper, and iron but lower magnesium than females. We also compared our results with those obtained in previous studies on both captive and free-ranging Magellanic Penguins and other Spheniscus species. Our study provides a baseline for ecological studies investigating the physiological responses of this species to natural and anthropogenic changes. Furthermore, our findings provide clinically relevant reference values for Magellanic Penguins under care at zoos, aquaria, and rehabilitation centers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alonso-Alvarez C (2000) Ecofisiología del comportamiento y de la reproducción en la Gaviota patiamarilla Larus cachinnans. PhD Thesis, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain

  • Altman RB, Clubb SL, Dorrestein GM, Quesenberry K (1997) Avian medicine and surgery. W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) (2014) Penguin (Spheniscidae) care manual. Penguin Taxon Advisory Group, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertellotti M, Tella JL, Godoy JA, Blanco G, Forero MG, Donázar JA, Ceballos O (2002) Determining sex of Magellanic Penguins using molecular procedures and discriminant functions. Waterbirds 25:479–484

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BirdLife International (2017). BirdLife taxonomic checklist Version 9.1 (updated June 2017). https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/taxonomy. Accessed November 2017

  • Boersma PD, Rebstock GA, Stokes DL (2004) Why penguin eggshells are thick? Auk 121:148–155

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boersma PD (2008) Penguins as marine sentinels. Bioscience 58:597–607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boersma PD, Frere E, Kane OJ, Pütz K, Raya Rey A, Rebstock GA, Simeone A, Smith JR, Van Buren A, Yorio P, García-Borboroglu P (2015) Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus). In: García-Borboroglu P, Boersma PD (eds) Penguins: natural history and conservation. University of Washington Press, Seattle, pp 285–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Brandão ML, Moreira J, Luque JL (2014) Checklist of platyhelminthes, acanthocephala, nematoda and arthropoda parasitizing penguins of the world. Check List 10:562–573

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell TW (1994) Hematology. In: Ritchie BW, Harrison GJ, Harrison L (eds) Avian medicine: principles and application. Wingers Publishing, Idaho Falls, pp 176–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell TW, Ellis CK (2013) Avian and exotic animal hematology and cytology. John Wiley & Sons, Ames

    Google Scholar 

  • Coraiola AM, Kolesnikovas CK, Krul R, Mangini PR, Locatelli-Dittrich R (2014) Clinical, hematological, total plasma protein and fibrinogen parameters of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) pre-and post-rehabilitation. Pesqui Vet Brasil 34:43–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D'Amico VL, Bertellotti M, Díaz JI, Coria N, Vidal V, Barbosa A (2014) Leucocyte levels in some Antarctic and non-Antarctic penguins. Ardeola 61:145–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diaz JI, Cremonte F, Navone GT (2010) Helminths of the Magellanic penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus (Sphenisciformes), during the breeding season in Patagonian Coast, Chubut, Argentina. Comp Parasitol 77(2):172–177

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dobado-Berrios P, Tella JL, Ceballos O, Donazar JA (1998) Effects of age and captivity on plasma chemistry values of the Egyptian vulture. Condor 100:719–725

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duffy DL, Bentley GE, Drazen DL, Ball GF (2000) Effects of testosterone on cell-mediated and humoral immunity in non-breeding adult European starlings. Behav Ecol 11:654–662

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fair J, Whitaker S, Pearson B (2007) Sources of variation in haematocrit in birds. Ibis 149:535–552

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fargallo JA, De León A, Potti J (2001) Nest-maintenance effort and health status in chinstrap penguins, Pygoscelis antarctica: the functional significance of stone-provisioning behaviour. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 50:141–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gandini P, Frere E, Holik T (1992) Implicancias de las diferencias en el tamaño corporal entre colonias para el uso de medidas morfométricas como método de sexado en Spheniscus magellanicus. El Hornero 13:211–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Garbin LE, Mattiucci S, Paoletti M, Diaz JI, Nascetti G, Navone GT (2013) Molecular identification and larval morphological description of Contracaecum pelagicum (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from the anchovy Engraulis anchoita (Engraulidae) and fish-eating birds from the Argentine North Patagonian Sea. Parasitol Int 62:309–319

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghebremeskel K, Williams G, Keymer I, Horsley D, Gardner D (1989) Plasma chemistry of rockhopper (Eudyptes crestatus), Magellanic (Spheniscus magellanicus) and gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) wild penguins in relation to moult. Comp Biochem Phys A 92:43–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gross W, Siegel H (1983) Evaluation of the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio as a measure of stress in chickens. Avian Dis 27:972–979

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkey C, Horsley D, Keymer I (1989) Haematology of wild penguins (Spenisciformes) in the Falkland Islands. Avian Pathol 18:495–502

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hochleithner M (1994) Biochemistries. In: Ritchie BW, Harrison G, Harrison L (eds) Avian medicine: principles and application. Wingers Publishing, Idaho Falls, pp 223–245

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein SL (2000) Hormones and mating system affect sex and species differences in immune function among vertebrates. Behav Process 51:149–166

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mazzaro LM, Meegan J, Sarran D, Romano TA, Bonato V, Deng S, Dunn JL (2013) Molt-associated changes in hematologic and plasma biochemical values and stress hormone levels in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). J Avian Med Surg 27:285–293

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno J, De Leon A, Fargallo J, Moreno E (1998) Breeding time, health and immune response in the chinstrap penguin Pygoscelis antarctica. Oecologia 115:312–319

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno J, Yorio P, Garcia-Borboroglu P, Potti J, Villar S (2002) Health state and reproductive output in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Ethol Ecol Evol 14:19–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno-Salas L, Nilsson-Saéz L, Ardiles Villegas K, Corvalán F, Merino Muñoz V, Islas Letelier A, González Acuña D (2014) Comparación de los valores hematológicos y bioquímicos en pingüinos Spheniscus humboldti (Sphenisciformes: Spheniscidae) silvestres y en cautiverio. Rev Cient-Univ Zulia 24:267–271

    Google Scholar 

  • Palacios MJ, Valera F, Colominas-Ciuro R, Barbosa A (2018) Cellular and humoral immunity in two highly demanding energetic life stages: reproduction and moulting in the Chinstrap Penguin. J Ornithol 159:283–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons NJ, Schaefer AM, van der Spuy SD, Gous TA (2015) Establishment of baseline haematology and biochemistry parameters in wild adult African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). J S Afr Vet Assoc 86:01–08

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Raya-Rey A, Pütz K, Scioscia G, Lüthi B, Schiavini A (2012) Sexual differences in the foraging behaviour of Magellanic Penguins related to stage of breeding. Emu 112:90–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Renison D, Boersma PD, Van Buren AN, Martella MB (2006) Agonistic behavior in wild male Magellanic penguins: when and how do they interact? J Ethol 24:189–193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenfeld G (1947) Pancromic stain for haematology and clinical cytology. A new combination of the components May-Grünwald and Giemsa in just one formula for rapid staining. Mem I Butantan 20:329–334

    Google Scholar 

  • Saino N, Møller A, Bolzerna A (1995) Testosterone effects on the immune system and parasite infestations in the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica): an experimental test of the immunocompetence hypothesis. Behav Ecol 6:397–404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sidwell VD, Buzzell DH, Foncannon PR, Smith AL (1977) Composition of the edible portion of raw (fresh or frozen) crustaceans, finfish, and mollusks. II. Macroelements: sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Mar Fish Rev 39:1–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Silva-Filho RP, Ruoppolo V (2014) Sphenisciformes (pinguim). In: Silva J, Dias J, Cubas Z (eds) Tratado de animais selvagens - medicina veterinária. Roca, São Paulo, pp 384–416

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith KM, Karesh WB, Majluf P, Paredes R, Zavalaga C, Hoogesteijn Reul A, Stetter M, Braselton WE, Puche H, Cook RA (2008) Health evaluation of free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in Peru. Avian Dis 52:130–135

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stowe HD, Braselton WE, Kaneene JB, Slanker M (1985) Multielement assays of bovine tissue specimens by inductively coupled argon plasma emission spectroscopy. Am J Vet Res 46:561–565

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trathan PN, García-Borboroglu P, Boersma D, Bost CA, Crawford RJ, Crossin GT, Cuthbert RJ, Dann P, Davis LS, De La Puente S (2015) Pollution, habitat loss, fishing, and climate change as critical threats to penguins. Conserv Biol 29:31–41

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Travis EK, Vargas FH, Merkel J, Gottdenker N, Miller RE, Parker PG (2006) Hematology, serum chemistry, and serology of Galapagos penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus) in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. J Wildl Dis 42:625–632

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trudnowski RJ, Rico RC (1974) Specific gravity of blood and plasma at 4 and 37 °C. Clin Chem 20:615–616

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vanstreels RET, Adornes AC, Canabarro PL, Ruoppolo V, Amaku M, da Silva-Filho RP, Catão-Dias JL (2013) Female-biased mortality of Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) on the wintering grounds. Emu 113:128–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanstreels RET, Uhart M, Rago V, Hurtado R, Epiphanio S, Catao-Dias JL (2017) Do blood parasites infect Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in the wild? Prospective investigation and climatogeographic considerations. Parasitology 144:698–705

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vleck CM, Vertalino N, Vleck D, Bucher TL (2000) Stress, corticosterone, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios in free-living Adelie penguins. Condor 102:392–400

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vleck CM, Vleck D (2002) Physiological condition and reproductive consequences in Adélie penguins. Integr Comp Biol 42:76–83

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Walberg J (2001) White blood cell counting techniques in birds. Sem Avian Exot Pet 10:72–76

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker BG, Boersma PD (2003) Diving behavior of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at Punta Tombo, Argentina. Can J Zool 81:1471–1483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wallace RS, Teare JA, Diebold E, Michaels M, Willis MJ (1995) Hematology and plasma chemistry values in free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in Chile. Zoo Biol 14:311–316

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yorio P, García Borboroglu P, Potti J, Moreno J (2001) Breeding biology of Magellanic penguins Spheniscus magellanicus at Golfo San Jorge, Patagonia, Argentina. Mar Ornithol 29:75–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) (2018) Hematology and biochemistry reference values, Spheniscus magellanicus. Species360, Bloomington

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge William Conway, Guillermo Harris, Veronica Greco, Lisa Starr, Krista Poppe, Wendy Weisman, Angela Yang, Helen Lee, Joey Rosario, Susan Rosenberg, Esteban Frere, Patricia Gandini, Ricardo (Bebote) Vera, Carolina Marull, Luciana Pozzi, Pablo de Diego, Virginia Rago, Flavio Quintana, Sabrina Harris, Dee Boersma, Matias Di Martino, Lucas Beltramino, Susan Kutz, Felix Capellino, Gastón Delgado, Sergio Heredia, Julio Loureiro, David Verón, Claudia Niemeyer, Jorge Oyakawa, and José Luiz Catão-Dias for their valuable contributions. Juan Copello, Jose Luis Machinea, and Matias Soriano generously allowed us access to their properties and supported our work. This study was funded by Fundación Patagonia Natural, Wildlife Conservation Society, One Health Institute at University of California, Davis, Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens da Universidade de São Paulo, and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP 2009/53956-9 and 2010/51801-5). L. Gallo was financed by a doctoral fellowship from Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de la República Argentina (CONICET).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos (IBIOMAR), CONICET, Boulevard Brown 2915, U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina

    Luciana Gallo

  2. Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil

    Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels

  3. Field Veterinary Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10460, USA

    Robert A. Cook, William B. Karesh & Marcela Uhart

  4. Science Based Support Consulting, 28 Sassinoro Boulevard, Cortlandt Manor, New York, USA

    Robert A. Cook

  5. EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street - 17th Floor, New York, USA

    William B. Karesh

  6. One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    Marcela Uhart

Authors
  1. Luciana Gallo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Robert A. Cook
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. William B. Karesh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marcela Uhart
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luciana Gallo.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Ethical approval

All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed, and research was conducted under permits approved by Dirección de Conservación y Áreas Protegidas and Dirección de Fauna y Flora Silvestre of Chubut Province, Consejo Agrario of Santa Cruz Province, and Dirección de Fauna y Flora de Tierra del Fuego.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Electronic supplementary material 1 (PDF 73 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Gallo, L., Vanstreels, R.E.T., Cook, R.A. et al. Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and trace element reference values for free-ranging adult Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Polar Biol 42, 733–742 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-019-02467-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-019-02467-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation