Haematology and iron status of the egyptian fruit bat, rousettus aegyptiacus

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Abstract

  • 1.

    1. Haematological values and iron status of wild and captive fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) were determined.

  • 2.

    2. Plasma iron concentrations were 175μg/dl in wild males, and 286–316 μg/dl in captive bats.

  • 3.

    3. Total splenic stores were small (around 100 μg) in relation to hepatic stores (3 mg) and total haem iron (2.6 mg).

  • 4.

    4. Haemoglobin levels, red cell counts and haematocrits were unusually high and mean corpuscular volumes low.

  • 5.

    5. Lactating wild bats showed no deficits in iron status or in haematological values.

  • 6.

    6. It is concluded that the ascorbic acid content of fruit, together with the bats' high food requirement, has ensured an ample iron supply in this vegetarian species.

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