SEASONAL-CHANGES IN SERUM LEVELS OF CERTAIN METABOLITES, URIC-ACID AND CALCIUM IN MIGRATORY CANADA GOOSE (BRANTA-CANADENSIS-INTERIOR)

1. 1. Changes in serum levels of total protein, albumin, uric acid, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and calcium in the Canada goose were studied during six periods of its yearly life cycle: (1) Spring pre-migratory phase (March) at Swan Lake Refuge (MO, U.S.A.); (2) Spring post-migratory phase (May) at Fort Churchill (Manitoba, Canada); (3) Breeding (June); (4) Moult (August); (5) Fall pre-migratory phase (September); and (6) Fall post-migratory phase (October) (MO, U.S.A.). 2. 2. Low levels of total protein and albumin, and concurrently high levels of uric acid were observed during the breeding, moult and fall pre-migratory phases. 3. 3. Serum glucose and total cholesterol were highest in the fall post-migratory phase while triglycerides were lowest during breeding and moult. Highest triglyceride level was seen in females during the spring post-migratory phase prior to egg-laying. 4. 4. Serum calcium remained constant in both the sexes, except in females during the spring postmigratory phase prior to egg-laying. © 1978.