VARIATIONS IN THE BLOOD OF RABBITS FROM BIRTH TO MATURITY

Abstract

Blood examinations on 284 normal rabbits aged 1 day to 37 wks. showed, within 24 hrs. after birth, the highest Hb % occurring during extrauterine life (av. 15.5), a low erythrocyte count (4.5-5 million), a high reticulocyte count (35% or more of the erythrocytes), hematocrit readings averaging 36%, and large red cells, 9-11u in diameter. The Hb % and erythrocyte count reached their lowest levels in 2-3 wks. At maturity Hb averaged 14 gm. %, hematocrit readings 31%, erythrocyte diameter 8.5[mu], and reticulocytes 0.5-3% of the erythrocyte count. These values hold for approximately 2 mo., after which a slight decrease in all values is again apparent.