HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD-CHEMISTRY OF ADULT WHITE STORKS (CICONIA-CICONIA)

1. We studied the hematology and blood chemistry of free-living adult White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) and compared the values obtained with those previously found in chicks of the same species [Puerta M. L., Munoz-Pulido R., Huecas V. and Abelenda M. (1989) Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 94A, 201-204]. 2. Red cell number (2,590,000 cell/mm3), hemoglobin content (13.9 g/100 ml), hematocrit (44.1%) were higher than in chicks. 3. Thrombocyte number (12,000 cell/mm3) and total leukocyte counts (23,800 cell/mm3) were much smaller than in chicks. Heterophils were the most abundant white blood cell (72%), lymphocytes being in the second place (20%), which differs from the differential count found in chicks. 4. Plasma total proteins (4.3 g/100 ml), urea (11.4 mg/100 ml) and cholesterol (145 mg/100 ml) were similar to those found in chicks. Plasma uric acid level (2.5 mg/100 ml) and triglycerides (415 mg/100 ml) were, respectively, smaller and higher than in chicks.