Abstract

Background: A frequent drawback in physiology of non-human primates is that normal values for a variety of indicators (haematological, biochemical and others) are scant. Methods: We report here the blood values in a series of 92 healthy Cebus apella (divided by sex, age and pregnancy status). Health check-ups indicated that animals were healthy for the month prior to and after the sampling. Dietary intake was estimated on the basis of two semi-balance studies. Results: Values of haematological indicators, serum LDH activity, micronutrient indicators (serum copper, iron and serum ceruloplasmin concentrations, Zn-Cu-superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes) agreed with previous results and provide some values that were not available. Activities of liver enzymes were lower than some previously reported. Conclusions: These results provide valuable information that help understanding the physiology of C. apella. © 2007 The Authors Journal compilation 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard.