Biological variation of hematology and biochemistry parameters for the Asian Elephant (Elaphas maximus), and applicability of population-derived reference intervals

The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the biological variation of healthy Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) hematology and biochemistry parameters, therefore enabling evidence-based clinical decision-making to improve patient management. Ten clinically healthy elephants had blood samples collected weekly for 5 wk under standardized conditions. The analytical, between- and within-individual variation, index of individuality, and reference change values were calculated using previously reported methods. Large between-individual variation and small within-individual variation for almost all parameters indicated that individual normal values should be used for interpreting blood results from Asian elephants.