Evaluation of Hematology and Biochemical Parameters of Free-Living European Brown Hare

The objective of our study was to determine blood hematological and serum chemistry values for a population of free-living European brown hares and to investigate differences related to age. The European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a species of hare naturally occurring in northern, central and western parts of Europe and southwestern Asia. The blood samples were collected from 25 hares (15 adults and 10 juveniles) shot during regular hunting seasons in 4 hunting grounds located in Danube lowland. Following parameters were analyzed: WBC, LYM, GRA, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC on blood samples, and glucose, total proteins, urea, bilirubin, cholesterol, Ca, P, Na, K, Cl on serum. WBC count was higher in adults (2.86.109. l(-1)) than in young hares (2.71.109. l(-1)). RBC count and HGB concentration were higher in young hares (RBC=8.94.1012. l(-1), HGB=184.43 g. l(-1)) than in adults (RBC=8.38.1012. l(-1), HGB=177.59 g. l(-1)). No significant differences were found in other hematology parameters. Biochemical indicators of age were evaluated and an increased content of glucose in adult individuals was found (a = 9.39 mmol. l(-1), j = 8.48 mmol. l(-1)). The increased level of urea in blood serum was observed as almost significant in juvenile individuals (a = 6.11 mmol. l(-1), j = 6.94 mmol. l(-1)), but also reduction of bilirubin was observed (a = 5.19 mmol. l(-1), j = 4.23 mmol. l(-1)). Other monitored biochemical parameters were fairly balanced. All evaluated hematology and serum chemistry parameters of brown hares were within the physiological range with relatively low differences.