Anti-parasite treatment and blood biochemistry in raptor nestlings

Sveinn Are Hanssen*, Christian Sonne, Jan Ove Bustnes, Lisbeth Schnug, Sophie Bourgeon, Manuel Ballesteros, Igor Eulaers, Truls Moum, Trond Vidar Johnsen, Mads Kjelgaard-Hansen, Dorte Herzke, Veerle L.B. Jaspers, Adrian Covaci, Marcel Eens, Duncan J. Halley, Kjell Einar Erikstad, Rolf Anker Ims

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

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    Abstract

    We investigated the effects of parasite removal on various blood clinical–chemical variables (BCCVs). BCCVs are indicators of health, reflecting, e.g., homeostasis of liver, kidney function, and bone metabolism. The study was conducted in Norway on chicks of two predatory birds: White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla (L., 1758)) and Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis (L., 1758)). Chicks were treated against both endoparasites (internal parasites) and ectoparasites (external parasites). We treated against ectoparasites by spraying nests with pyrethrins. Within nests, chicks were randomly treated with either an antihelminthic medication (fenbendazole) or sterile water (controls). Treatment against either ectoparasites or endoparasites led to higher levels of the bone and liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Bilirubin levels were lower when treated against ectoparasites, whereas bile acids were higher. Anti-endoparasite treatment led to higher creatinine levels. In Northern Goshawks, treating against endoparasites led to higher urea levels and lower potassium levels. Treatment against ectoparasites increased uric acid and urea levels and reduced bilirubin levels and protein:creatinine ratios. In conclusion, anti-parasite treatments led to changes in several BCCVs, suggesting differences in nutrient absorption and physiological state of chicks that are possibly related to the costs of parasitism, but maybe also to the parasite treatment itself.

    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TidsskriftCanadian Journal of Zoology
    Vol/bind95
    Udgave nummer9
    Sider (fra-til)685-693
    Antal sider9
    ISSN0008-4301
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - 2017

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