Blood collection, haematological values, biochemical parameters of new world camelids

Abstract

Haematological values and biochemical parameters for Llamas and alpacas derived from recent investigations and from the literature are described together with the technique for blood sampling these species. Reference values for haematology and clinical biochemistry are needed because Llamas and alpacas have gained and maintained popularity in Europe and veterinarians are therefore consulted on clinical problems. Scientific publications providing normal values for blood parameters for these species are spar-se and mainly derive from American studies. These are not relevant to all parameters because the laboratory methods used in Germany are different.