Total serum cholesterol levels of Sri Lankan elephants (Elephas maximus maximus)

Abstract

Base line data on many physiological parameters of the Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus L.) is virtually lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the normal blood cholesterol level of adult Sri Lankan elephants which is hitherto not scientifically documented. Blood was obtained from 43 captive elephants and the total serum cholesterol level was determined using an enzymatic technique. The results show that mean total serum cholesterol level of Sri Lankan elephant is 45.23+1.37 mg/dl (means + SEM). The serum cholesterol leve of male elephants (48.42