Serum protein electrophoresis reference values in the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)

Blood samples were collected as part of routine clinical examination procedures from 120 clinically normal gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) during a 4-year period between the months of September and February. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) was carried out to establish reference values for the species and to characterize species-specific electrophoretic patterns. The SPE analyses included measurements of pre-albumin, albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, gamma globulins, and the albumin/globulin ratio. Reference intervals were determined using a quantile approach with 90% confidence intervals. Female gyrfalcons were found to have significantly lower median albumin and gamma concentrations than males. Juvenile gyrfalcons were found to have significantly lower median total protein, alpha-1, alpha-2, and beta-globulins than adults. Results of this study provide SPE values for gyrfalcons that may contribute to the medical management of this species commonly used in the sport of falconry in the Middle East.