Evaluating the Nutritional Status in Captive Saddle-billed Storks

All North American Saddle-billed Stork holding institutions will be requested to collect blood samples for a Vitamin Profile (Vitamins A, E and beta-carotene), a Primary Trace Nutrient Panel (Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Zinc), and a Vitamin D Profile (PTH, Ionized Calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D).  This request can be accomplished via manual restraint and with minimal stress to the individual bird.

·         Blood samples obtained for the Vitamin Profile will be collected into a serum or plasma tube and centrifuged to separate from clot and cells.  Then 1.2-1.5 mLs of serum will be collected for submission into a leakproof tube.  This sample much be light protected throughout collection and processing.

·         Samples intended for Vitamin D Profile will be drawn into a serum or plasma tube.  Allowed to clot for 30-60 minutes prior to separation and then 1.5 mLs of serum will be aliquoted into a leakproof tube.  It is not necessary to light protect this sample, but every effort to avoid exposure to light will be made. 

·         Samples intended for Primary Trace Nutrient Panel analysis will be drawn into a non-additive royal blue topped tube (plasma from a tube containing a chelating anti-coagulant is unacceptable for this test), then 0.5-1.0 mLs of serum will be processed and submitted for analysis in a leakproof tube.

Samples will be banked at -80 degrees (if possible) until shipping.  If access to an ultra-low freezer is not available, freezing at -20 until shipping is acceptable.