# Hematological and Serum Biochemical Profiles of the Southern Red Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) Raised in a Semicaptive Environment in Thailand

## TL;DR

This study provides baseline blood and serum data for southern red muntjacs in Thailand, aiding in health monitoring and environmental toxicity assessment.

## Contribution

The study presents new hematological and biochemical reference values for southern red muntjacs in a semicaptive setting.

## Key findings

- No significant differences in blood parameters were found between male and female muntjacs.
- Hematological and biochemical values in M. muntjak differ from those of M. vaginalis, possibly due to capture methods and altitude.
- The data can support health screening and environmental toxicity monitoring in captive and wild populations.

## Abstract

The southern red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) is a common species found throughout Southeast Asia. It plays a vital ecological role as a prey species for large wild carnivores, contributing to the maintenance of biodiversity. In addition, this species is farmed for tourism purposes and as an alternative source of meat. However, the lack of data on hematological and serum biochemical parameters has made it challenging to assess the health status of this species and to monitor environmental toxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate the hematological and serum biochemical profiles of southern red muntjacs (M. muntjak) and to compare any differences between males and females. A total of 82 individuals were captured, and blood samples from 59 were analyzed using automated hematology and biochemistry analyzers. The results revealed no significant differences between males and females in almost all parameters. When compared with previous studies, several hematological and biochemical parameters in M. muntjak differed from those of related species (M. vaginalis) and may be due to different capture methods and altitude. These findings provide valuable baseline data for health screening and environmental toxicity assessment in both captive and free-ranging populations of this species.