Hematological and plasma biochemical parameters in a wild population of Naja naja (Linnaeus, 1758) in Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND

Hematological studies of any animal species comprise an important diagnostic method in veterinary medicine and an essential tool for the conservation of species. In Sri Lanka, this essential technique has been ignored in studies of many species including reptiles. The aim of the present work was to establish a reference range of hematological values and morphological characterization of wild spectacled cobras (Naja naja) in Sri Lanka in order to provide a diagnostic tool in the assessment of health condition in reptiles and to diagnose diseases in wild populations.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from the ventral caudal vein of 30 wild-caught Naja naja (18 males and 12 females). Hematological analyses were performed using manual standard methods.

RESULTS

Several hematological parameters were examined and their mean values were: red blood cell count 0.581 ± 0.035 × 10⁶/μL in males; 0.4950 ± 0.0408 × 10⁶/μL in females; white blood cell count 12.45 ± 1.32 × 10³/μL in males; 11.98 ± 1.62 × 10³/μL in females; PCV (%) in males was 30.11 ± 1.93 and in females was 23.41 ± 1.67; hemoglobin (g/dL) was 7.6 ± 0.89 in males and 6.62 ± 1.49 in females; plasma protein (g/dL) was 5.11 ± 0.75 in males and 3.25 ± 0.74 in females; whereas cholesterol (mg/mL) was 4.09 ± 0.12 in males and 3.78 ± 0.42 in females. There were no significant differences in hematological parameters between the two genders except for erythrocyte count, thrombocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma protein, percentage of azurophil and heterophil. Intracellular parasites were not found in any of the studied specimens.

CONCLUSION

Hematological and plasma biochemical parameters indicated a difference between geographically isolated populations and some values were significantly different between the two genders. These hematological results provide a reference range for Sri Lankan population of adult Naja naja.

Prevalence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus stability in commercially available yogurts in Sri lanka

Aims and Objectives: Common starter cultures found in fermented milk products are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The viability of these bacteria is important in order to gain health benefits. It is important to investigate the stability of commercially available yogurts with respect to starter cultures and the quality.Materials and Methods: Yogurt samples were collected from highly marketed different brands designated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H from different areas from Sri Lanka. MRS and M17 agar were used to enumerate L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus respectively and a pH change was measured.Results: The pH values decreased significantly and only two of these products maintained 106 cfuml-1 viable count of L. bulgaricus till the end of the shelf life. All products showed the highest number of S. thermophilus.Conclusion: The pH of the yoghurts significantly change with the storage. For optimum benefits, the yogurt products should be consumed within seventh to fourteenth day from its manufacturing date. Only two of the yoghurt products maintained 106 cfuml-1 viable count of L. bulgaricus till the end of the expiry.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(5) 2016 97-101