The Influence of Age, Sex, and Season on Hematological Parameters in a Captive Population of Former Laboratory Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

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Abstract
This study aimed to establish a baseline hematological profile and examine the influence of age, sex, and season on hematological parameters in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) living in a humid tropical climate. Hematological parameters are a useful tool for assessing health status and diagnosing diseases in animals. We analyzed 473 blood samples collected from 84 chimpanzees (43 females and 41 males) during annual health checks, conducted under anesthesia for a routine physical examination. The main findings revealed significant sex differences in some hematological parameters: males had higher hematocrit and red blood cell counts than females. Age‐related variations have also been noted, with adolescents and adults having lower lymphocyte counts but higher neutrophil and monocyte counts than infants. Adults, in particular, had significantly lower platelet counts compared to other age classes. Seasonal fluctuations were also observed: lymphocyte counts were higher in the rainy season, while neutrophil counts were higher in the dry season. In addition, the general trends in hematological parameters for this captive population of chimpanzees were similar to those reported in captive chimpanzees living in the United States. These results should provide animal health professionals, particularly those working with nonhuman primates, with data to compare and interpret. They will help improve practices for monitoring and managing the health of nonhuman primates in captivity.

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