Blood parameters of the amazonian manatee (Trich echus inunguis)-dietary variation

Abstract

1. 1. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between the blood parameters of male and female Amazonian manatees. 2. 2. When water hyacinth was introduced into the animals' diet, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in total lipid, total protein and albumin concentrations. However, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in glucose and urea concentrations. 3. 3. The total protein and albumin concentrations in the Amazonian manatee blood appear to be good indicators for nutritional status, while urea appears not to be. © 1992.