HEMATOLOGY AND RED-CELL ENZYMES OF THE AUSTRALIAN ORANGE-BELLIED PARROT, NEOPHEMA CHRYSOGASTER

The haematology, red cell enzymes, and haemoglobin electrophoresis of twelve captive bred Australian orange-bellied parrots (Neophema chryso gaster) were studied. The means of the haematological parameters were: haemoglobin 15.3 g/dl, PCV 54%, red cell count 3.4 x 10(12)/l, MCV 13 8.0 fl, MCH 44.7 pg, leucocyte count 7.2 x 10(9)/l, heterophils 61%, l ymphocytes 24%, monocytes 6.3%, eosinophils 0.7% and basophils 6.8%. T he basophil count is higher than that recorded in other parrot species . The red cell enzyme activity is lower than those found in human red cells and similar to those recorded in the limited amount of data avai lable for other avian species. Haemoglobin electrophoresis showed a ty pical avian pattern.