Hematologic and serum biochemical reference intervals for Formosan Sika Deer (Cervus nippon taiouanus) from a semi-free-ranging population in Taiwan

Authors

Chen-Wei Wang, International Degree Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, TaiwanFollow
Ke-Lun Chen, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, TaiwanFollow
Hung-Yi Wu, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, TaiwanFollow
Chia-Ying Lin, Department of Beauty Science, Meiho University, Pingtung, TaiwanFollow

Abstract

The Formosan sika deer (Cervus nippon taiouanus), an endemic Taiwanese subspecies, holds a pivotal role in local conservation. This study addresses a significant knowledge gap by establishing population-specific reference intervals (RIs) for this species, as existing RIs are based on limited captive populations and may not accurately reflect the health of semi-free-ranging cohorts. We analyzed 632 sampling events from 232 healthy adult deer within Kenting National Park over 12 years (2013–2024). This study adhered to ASVCP guidelines, establishing instrument-specific RIs and employing linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) to evaluate the complex interactions among analytical instruments, sex, and body weight. Our results confirmed significant inter-instrument variations and showed that both sex and body weight significantly influence numerous hematologic and biochemical parameters. This study provides crucial, longterm RIs and a robust analytical framework, offering direct and practical implications for the future health management and conservation of this endemic subspecies.

DOI

10.56808/2985-1130.3861

First Page

1

Last Page

12

Recommended Citation

Wang, Chen-Wei; Chen, Ke-Lun; Wu, Hung-Yi; and Lin, Chia-Ying (2025) "Hematologic and serum biochemical reference intervals for Formosan Sika Deer (Cervus nippon taiouanus) from a semi-free-ranging population in Taiwan," The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine: Vol. 55: Iss. 3, Article 13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2985-1130.3861
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/tjvm/vol55/iss3/13