Hematology and serum chemistry values of adult, pregnant and newborn New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Hematological and serum chemistry values were determined in adult female and pregnant New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and their newborn at delivery. No significant difference was found between adult and pregnant hematological profiles. In the newborn, RBC were significantly lower and WBC, MCV and MCH higher than in their mother and adults. A characteristic protein profile was observed for the serum of each animal group, as well as for amniotic fluid. Lipoprotein pattern of the newborn was close to that of the dam, which differed from the adult female rabbit profile. The serum biochemical patterns are close to those of humans, suggesting that the New Zealand rabbit could be a reliable animal model for studies in the perinatal field involving monitoring of selected variables.