Eletrophoretic plasma protein profile in rhea (Rhea americana) of different age groups

Breeding of rheas has been growing throughout Brazil. However, there is still lack of information about this species and of professionals specialized in the area. This study was aimed at verifing the differences in plasmatic electrophoresis (agarosis gel) at different ages of rheas (Rhea americana). Fourty-five rheas were separated into 4 groups: group 1: (n=10), 15 day old animals; group 2: (n=10), 30 day old animals; group 3: (n=10), 45 day old animals; group 4: (n=15), 1 year old animals. The electrophoretic values analyzed presented homogeneity within each age group. There were differences between different age groups in the values of total plasmatic protein, albumin, globulins and the albumin/globulin relation. There was also a difference between age groups for fractions alpha1, alpha2, ß and gamma. These results demonstrated that the electrophoretic profile of rheas undergoes variations according to the age analyzed. Therefore, more attention, is needed by the professionals in the interpretation of this type of examination. The parameters obtained from this study show a divergence of values, when compared to from those obtained from other avian species, showing up the importance of understanding these values in this species.

electrophoresis; plasma; Rhea americana; age