Biochemical and blood gas parameters in llamas (Lama glama) raised at moderate altitude: preliminary data from a subtropical environment.

This study presents preliminary baseline biochemical and venous blood gas data obtained from llamas (Lama glama) raised under semi-intensive management at medium altitude (595 m asl) in subtropical Brazil. Blood samples from 9 clinically healthy llamas were analyzed. Most biochemical values fell within ranges previously described for the species, although substantial inter-individual variability was observed for several parameters (CK: CV = 0.81; lactate: CV = 0.63; alkaline phosphatase: CV = 0.51; lipids: CV = 0.54), which limits the representativeness of the reported means. Variations in ALT, AST, and CK (200 ± 163 U/L) enzyme levels possibly related to partial confinement and handling was observed. High glucose concentrations (146 ± 14 mg/dL) may reflect species-specific metabolic characteristics, though this interpretation requires validation in larger samples. Urea (46 ± 10 mg/dL) and creatinine (2.16 ± 0.42 mg/dL) reflected dietary protein intake and the species' efficient nitrogen metabolism. Mineral analysis revealed slightly elevated phosphorus and magnesium, likely due to high-quality forage. Blood gas analysis indicated a lower venous pH (7.269 ± 0.075) and elevated pCO₂ (52.5 ± 1.5 mmHg) and bicarbonate compared to previous reports, potentially consistent with responses to the local environmental conditions. Lactate concentrations (78.9 ± 28 mg/dL) were also elevated; however, this finding should be interpreted cautiously due to potential influences of handling stress, analytical methodology, and sample size limitations. These findings offer valuable baseline data for llamas raised outside their native Andean environment and emphasize the importance of considering environmental and management factors in clinical evaluations. Further studies should include larger populations, arterial blood gas analysis, and longitudinal sampling to better understand physiological adaptations in non-native settings.