Plasma Biochemistry of New South Wales Platypuses Ornithorhynchus anatinus.

Abstract

In order to establish baseline data, plasma samples were collected from 139 platypuses in 12 New South Wales rivers seasonally during 1992-1996 for analysis of 23 biochemical parameters. Platypuses were caught in unweighted gill nets as described by Grant and Carrick (1974). The nets were kept under constant surveillance for trapped platypuses which were removed in 5-10 minutes, wrapped in damp, air-permeable bags and kept cool until processed within 30 minutes. Sex and approximate age were determined by spur morphology as described by Temple-Smith (1973). Body condition was assessed by the tail volume index, devised by Grant and Carrick (1978), and body weight and dimensions measured. A 1 ml of blood sample was collected from the upper biII sinus of each animal and stored on ice in a heparinised microtube until centrifuged to collect and freeze the plasma, which was analysed in the Department of Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital by the methods of Poulos and Piesse (1995) using an automatic multi analyser for assays other than fat soluble vitamins. Vitamins A and E were assayed by HPLC-UV Detector. Vitamin D was assayed by Radioimmuno-assay.