Experimental Physiology Journal
In this experiment badgers (Meles meles), which were caught as part of an on-going population study, were either transported to a central site prior to blood sampling or blood was collected at their site of capture. Using the leukocyte coping capacity (LCC) test kit, the ability of leukocytes to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro was assessed.
Transported animals had a significantly lower leukocyte coping capacity score (LCC) and showed changes in leukocyte composition that were indicative of stress. The study concluded that the stress of transport reduced LCC in badgers and that LCC serves as a quantitative measure of stress. Potential applications of this method are discussed.
MCLAREN, G., MACDONALD, D.W., GEORGIOU, C., NEWMAN, C. and MIAN, R. (2003) Leukocyte coping capacity: a novel technique for measuring the stress response in vertebrates Experimental Physiology 88 (4) pp. 541-546 (ISSN: 0958 0607).