Biochemical Profiling of Captive and Rescued Black Kites (Milvus migrans govinda) in Central India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jvls.2025.1.2.3Keywords:
Black Kite, Captive Raptor Health, Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio, Haematology, Serum Biochemistry, Wildlife RehabilitationAbstract
The Black kite (Milvus migrans govinda), a common resident raptor of the Indian subcontinent, plays a vital ecological role in scavenging and waste degradation across urban habitats. Despite its abundance, limited scientific information is available on its normal haemato-biochemical profile in India, which is essential for clinical evaluation and health monitoring of rescued and captive birds. The present study was carried out at the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health (SWFH), Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, from July to December 2023, with the objective of establishing baseline biochemical values for apparently healthy Black kites maintained in captivity. Blood samples were aseptically collected from six clinically healthy individuals housed at the SWFH aviary. Serum biochemical parameters including total protein, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver enzymes (AST, ALT), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were analysed using an automated biochemical analyser. The mean serum values remained within normal physiological ranges reported for raptors, suggesting stable hepatic and renal function under captivity. Normal calcium-phosphorus ratio indicated appropriate mineral metabolism and nutritional status. The findings serve as valuable reference standards for clinical assessment, disease diagnosis and health management of Black kites maintained in captivity or rehabilitation centres in India.Downloads
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