Abstract

The blood examination and analysis of hematology (PCV, plasma protein, WBC differentiation, RBC and WBC count) and blood biochemistry (glucose, BUN, creatinine, ALP, AST, ALT, triglycerides and cholesterol) were performed in captive sea turtles for two life stages (benthic pre-reproductive and reproductive) at two locations (the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea) from February to October 2007. Blood samples of 29 green turtles (Chelonia mydas), 45 hawksbill turtles (Erethmochelys imbricata) and 31 Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) were collected from Sea Turtles Conservation Centers in the Gulf of Thailand and at Eastern Marine, the Costal Resources Research Center at Mannai Island, Rayong, the Navy Sea turtles Conservation Center, Chonburi, the Andaman Sea at Phuket Marine Biological Center in Phuket and Phangnga Fisheries Research, and the Development Center in Phangnga. Blood profiles of captive sea turtles in this study are in normal range except for higher creatinine levels in some individuals. The difference of blood values from previous studies may be related to captivity management, environment, blood test method and apparatuses, and individual health status. Higher creatinine may indicate renal problem, however other specific parameters such as creatinine clearance ratio should be determined to confirm renal disorder. The blood profiles of Olive Ridley turtles have not been previously reported, so this study may provide preliminary data for this species. For future studies, more precise estimates can be achieved by repeating blood sampling of same individuals over time, and it would be interesting to do comparative studies between wild and captive sea turtles in Thailand.