Reference values for biochemical analytes in feral sheep from Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico

Feral sheep on Socorro Island, part of Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago, exhibit distinct seasonal variations in biochemical analytes linked to freshwater adaptation. Key findings include elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, albumin, and sodium ions compared to domestic sheep, with some values aligning with those of goats. Seasonal differences were significant (P<0.05), with peak concentrations observed during winter and the lowest during spring. These insights provide critical reference values for assessing dehydration in these animals and shed light on their physiological adaptations to limited freshwater availability.

Arias, I. E., Prado, R. O. F., García, M. L. J., Zepeda, B. J. L., & García, C. A. C. (2020). Reference values for biochemical analytes in feral sheep from Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, 72(6), 2036–2044. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-11988