# Hematology, Biochemistry, and Blood Gas Reference Intervals for Captive Anesthetized Long-Tailed Goral (Naemorhedus caudatus)

## TL;DR

This study establishes blood test reference ranges for long-tailed gorals to support their health evaluation and conservation.

## Contribution

Provides the first species-specific reference intervals for hematology, biochemistry, and blood gas analysis in long-tailed gorals.

## Key findings

- Age significantly affects multiple blood parameters like cholesterol, creatinine, and calcium.
- Sex influences lymphocyte count, cholesterol, and enzyme levels.
- Arterial and venous blood differ in oxygen and lactate levels.

## Abstract

The long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) is a small ungulate belonging to the subfamily Caprinae within the family Bovidae. Due to threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and extreme weather, its population has been gradually declining and is classified as an endangered species worldwide. In response, efforts are being made to conserve this endangered species through restoration programs, as well as rescuing gorals injured or stranded in the wild. In these conservation efforts, laboratory blood tests are very valuable for evaluating individual health status. The objective of this study is to establish species-specific reference intervals for blood test parameters of the long-tailed goral, contributing not only to clinical aspects but also to fundamental physiological research for restoration purposes.

The long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) is classified as an endangered species globally, and national projects for conservation are underway in South Korea. However, blood test references would enable comprehensive health assessments in this species. This study provides reference intervals for hematology, biochemistry, and blood gas analysis in long-tailed goral for health assessments and to aid conservation strategies. Blood test data from 75 gorals managed between 2016 and 2020 were analyzed to establish reference intervals and to examine the influence of age and sex on hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as differences between arterial and venous blood in blood gas analysis. Significant age-related differences (p < 0.01) were observed in MCH, lymphocyte count, platelet count, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ALT, amylase, creatinine, calcium, and inorganic phosphorus. Sex-related differences were found in lymphocyte count, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ALT, and amylase. Blood gas analysis showed significant differences in pO2, SO2, and lactate between arterial and venous samples. This retrospective study provides statistical reference intervals for hematology, biochemistry, and blood gas analysis in clinically healthy long-tailed gorals, which is particularly valuable for endangered wildlife where obtaining an adequate number of specimens is challenging.