Seasonal Variation in Serum Ascorbic Acid and Serum Lipid Composition of Free-Living Baboons (Papio ursinus)

Two surveys were conducted in the Kruger National Park in which 205 baboons were captured. The first survey was done during late summer and the second during late winter. Serum ascorbic acid, serum cholesterol and serum phospholipids were determined. Baboons of both sexes and various ages were captured. This work was undertaken to establish serum ascorbic acid, serum cholesterol and serum phospholipid values for baboons under free-living conditions. A seasonal variation was found, and the serum ascorbic acid serum cholesterol and serum phospholipid values were significantly higher during winter than during summer.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1700 (1974