Abstract—Freeze-dried blood from Crocodylus siamensis is a natural product which can serve as food supplement. The present study aimed to develop the process for a large volume blood collection without killing animals in order to extend their life and keep them healthy. The process was performed from 20 captive breeding crocodiles. They were randomly divided into control and 3 experimental groups. Ten milliliters of blood were collected weekly from control group for 12 weeks. Group 1, samples were withdrawn 150 ml on week 1, 12 and collected 10 ml weekly on week 2-11. Group 2, samples were withdrawn 150 ml on week 1, 12 and collected 10 ml on week 4 and 8. Group 3, samples were withdrawn 150 ml on week 1 and 12. The results showed that there were no significant differences (p<0.05) in hematological values among the blood samples taken from group 1, 2, 3 and those of the control group at all time intervals. The results of hematological values as well as the results obtained from the behavioral observation revealed that large volume blood collection up to 150 ml had no detrimental effect on crocodile health and behavior. The results from the present study offer a possible alternative to conventional way for commercial crocodile blood collection.
 

Index Terms—crocodile blood, Crocodylus siamensis, Siamese crocodile, hematological values

Cite: Win Chaeychomsri, Sirilak Yamkong, Sudawan Chaeychomsri, and Jindawan Siruntawineti, "Effects of Large Volume Crocodile Blood Collection on Hematological Values of Siamese Crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis)," Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 252-257, December 2016. Doi: 10.18178/joaat.3.4.252-257