Haematological and blood biochemical characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glyptosternum maculatum</Emphasis> (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) in Xizang (Tibet)

This study investigated the haematological and blood biochemical characteristics of Glyptosternum maculatum. The haematological and biochemical parameters were measured in 30 adult fish collected from Nyingchi Reach of Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. The red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte osmotic fragility (maxEof and minEof), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cellular haemoglobin content (MCH), and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined. Compared with other Siluriformes fishes, G. maculatum showed similar mean values for Hct, Hb, MCH, and MCHC and had slightly lower RBC and higher MCV. The biochemical parameters were assayed including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride. The result showed that the value of AST in G. maculatum was obviously higher than that in Rhamdia quelen as well as in Silurus merdionalis.     

Effect of azadirachtin on haematological and biochemical parameters of Argulus-infested goldfish Carassius auratus (Linn. 1758)

Argulosis hampers aquaculture production and alters the host physiology and growth. Azadirachtin is recognized as a potential antiparasitic agent against Argulus sp. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different concentration of azadirachtin solution on haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Argulus-infested goldfish Carassius auratus. Ninety Argulus-infested goldfish were randomly divided into six equal groups. Fish of group 1–5 were treated with azadirachtin solution through bath of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L^?1 as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively, and group 6 was exposed to 2 % DMSO solution without azadirachtin and considered as negative control T0^?. Along with six treatment groups, a positive control T0⁺ of healthy goldfish free from Argulus infestation was also maintained. Parasitic mortality was evaluated after 3 days of consecutive bath treatment. After 7 days of post-treatment, the blood and serum were drawn from each of the treatment groups and haematological and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Total leucocyte count (TLC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), blood glucose, total protein (TP), globulin, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were significantly (p < 0.05) high in negative control group when compared with positive control group. It could be concluded that Argulus infestation altered marked haematological and serum biochemical parameters. However, in treated groups complete elimination of Argulus was found in T4 and T5 groups. Also significant (p < 0.05) reduction in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of all the treatment groups were recorded in comparison with negative control group. In addition, T4 and T5 groups showed significantly (p < 0.05) high superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, total erythrocyte count (TEC) and haemoglobin (Hb). However, higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), blood glucose and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in T5 group revealed that higher concentration of azadirachtin have notable effects on activity of vital tissues function and physiology of the host. Argulus spp. from infested goldfish could be eliminated using bath treatment with solution of azadirachtin having concentration of 15 mg L^?1 and that also shifted haematological and serum biochemical parameters towards homeostasis.     

Effects of formalin on haematological and blood chemistry in olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck et Schlegel)

Erythrocytes of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck et Schlegel), were treated with serial concentrations of formalin (37% formaldehyde) to investigate in vitro haemolysis and methaemoglobin formation. In addition, the short‐term toxicity of formalin concentrations of 0, 100, 212 and 300 ppm was also studied by clinical tests in which fish were subjected to 3‐h bath exposure. There was no haemolysis of fish erythrocytes exposed to formalin concentrations ranging from 31.3 to 2000 ppm. Methaemoglobin formation, however, was induced at concentrations greater than 500 ppm. Red blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and percentage of immature erythrocytes were also markedly elevated in all formalin‐exposed groups (P<0.05). Formalin exposure also caused significant increases in alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, chloride, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus (P<0.05). However, total protein decreased significantly in the formalin‐exposed groups (P<0.05). No significant differences in white blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, free cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, calcium, creatinine and total bilirubin were observed in the formalin‐exposed groups (P>0.05).     

Red blood cell indices of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) in aquaculture

A direct non‐parametric method was used to calculate reference (physiological) haematology values for farmed 10–12‐month rainbow trout of the Kamloops strain (mean weight: 330±131 g) with respect to red blood cell counts (RBCc), haematocrit values (Hct), haemoglobin concentrations (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (MCHC). The fish in the selected reference group (n=798) were given dry pelleted diets that contained 37–47% crude protein, 7–18% crude fat and 108–300‐mg vitamin E, 1.08–5‐mg folic acid, 0.018–0.05‐mg vitamin B₁₂, 48–64.5‐mg iron, 4.5–8.4‐mg copper and 0.18–0.24‐mg selenium supplied per kg of diet. Ethoxyquin and butylhydroxytoluol were used to protect the fat component against oxidation. The fish were kept at a stocking density of 50kg per cubic metre in tanks provided with running freshwater (dissolved oxygen 8.4–11.5 mg L^?1, with O₂ saturation of 77–98%) at an ambient temperature of 0.2–16°C. Blood was sampled between September and November at a photoperiod of 9–13 h:11–15 h (light:dark). Reference ranges for the preceding haematological indices were as follows in immature females (males): RBCc, 0.77–1.42T L^?1 (T – tera, 10¹²) (0.98–1.55T L^?1); Hct, 0.304–0.502 (0.34–0.546); Hb, 54–93 g L^?1 (59–97 g L^?1); MCV, 282–469 fL (279–434 fL); MCH, 51–86 pg (47–78 pg); MCHC, 0.15–0.22 (0.15–0.2). In males, values for RBCc, Hct and Hb were significantly higher (P=0.01 and 0.0000 respectively) and those for MCV, MCH and MCHC were significantly lower (P=0.01 and 0.0002 respectively) than in immature females. Nutritional and environmental factors affecting erythropoiesis in trout and some correlations between haematological (RBCc, Hb, Hct) and biochemical indices of the blood plasma (total protein, cholesterol) are discussed.     

盐度驯化下史氏鲟的血液学参数

测定了5个不同盐度梯度(0、10、20、25、28)下分别饲养14d和21d的史氏鲟血液生理学参数。结果表明:在不同的饲养时间下,红细胞总数(RBC)、红细胞压积(HCT)、血栓细胞总数(PLT)、血红蛋白浓度(HGB)均随盐度的升高逐渐减少,红细胞平均体积(MCV)、平均血红蛋白含量(MCH)随盐度的升高逐渐增加,平均血红蛋白浓度(MCHC)无显著变化,红细胞体积分布宽度(RDW)、白细胞总数(WBC)、淋巴细胞数(LYM)、单核细胞数(MON)、嗜酸性粒细胞数(EOS)、中性粒细胞含量(NEUT)、嗜碱性粒细胞含量(BASO)随盐度的增加先升高后下降。在相同的盐度条件下,红细胞总数(RBC)、血栓细胞总数(PLT)、平均血红蛋白含量(MCH)、平均血红蛋白浓度(MCHC)、嗜碱性粒细胞含量(BASO)随养殖天数的增加逐渐下降,其它血液指标随饲养时间的延长逐渐升高。白细胞分类计数(DLC)值显示,在不同的盐度条件下,白细胞中各类细胞比例依次为淋巴细胞(Lym)>单核细胞(Mon)>嗜中性粒细胞(Neut)>嗜碱性粒细胞(Baso)>嗜酸性粒细胞(Eos)。通过盐度驯化后血液生理学分析,史氏鲟具有较强的渗透调节能力,经过驯化可以在28的盐水中生存。     

The study of some haematological and serum biochemical parameters of juvenile beluga (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Huso huso</Emphasis>) fed oligofructose

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary oligofructose (1, 2 and 3%) on the blood profiles of beluga (Huso huso) juveniles (18.77 ± 0.76 g) compared to fish fed an un-supplemented diet. After 7 weeks of feeding on the experimental diets, haematological parameters, metabolic products (cholesterol, glucose and total protein) and serum enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) were measured. Compared to the control group (0% oligofructose), dietary oligofructose had no effect on red blood cell counts (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cellular haemoglobin (MCH) or mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P > 0.05). However, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, leucocyte (WBC) levels and the proportion of lymphocytes were significantly higher (P > 0.05) in the 2% oligofructose fed fish than in the 3% oligofructose fed fish. Additionally, haematocrit (Hct) values (P = 0.049) and the proportion of lymphocytes (P ≤ 0.01) were significantly higher in the 2% oligofructose group than in the control group. Although serum glucose and total protein remained unaffected, serum cholesterol was significantly lower in the 2% oligofructose group than in the control and 3% oligofructose group (P < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that oligofructose had no significant effects on serum lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. These results indicate that fish blood profiles could be affected by prebiotics, which should be taken into account in future studies.     

Correlation of hematology and plasma chemistry levels in silver crucian carp Carassius langsdorfii

ABSTRACT: The correlation between hematology and plasma chemistry was examined in natural silver crucian carp Carassius langsdorfii. Three microsatellite DNA markers identified five clonal lines. Blood was obtained from the caudal vessels and analyzed using automatic analysis systems. The correlation between several parameters including erythrocyte count (RBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), plasma glucose (Glu) and total protein (TP) was assessed by liner regression. Hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) as a function of the erythrocyte count, hematocrit as a function of the hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) as a function of the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) as a function of the mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and total protein as a function of triglyceride (TG) were positively correlated for the five clonal lines. Different regression slopes ( b -value) of RBC to Hgb and Hct were found among clonal lines, while no such differences were found among slopes of the remaining regression equation. This phenomenon suggests that the significantly different slopes among parameters, which indicated low genetic influence at the each parameter, clearly detected the genetic influences as the compound effect of these parameters.     

Hematologic and serum biochemical values for jundiá (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhamdia quelen</Emphasis>)

The determination of hematologic parameters for jundiá Rhamdia quelencultivated in ponds is an easy and useful tool for the control of their sanitary and nutritional conditions. In the present work hematologic indices (RBC, WBC, Ht, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC), electrolytes (Cl, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P), metabolic products (creatinine, urea, ammonia, glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, bilirubin) and enzymes (alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase) were measured in a population of jundiá. The mean ± SEM and range were established.     

Effect of infestation with the isopod, Alitropus typus M. Edwards (Crustacea: Flabellifera: Aegidae) on the haematological parameters of the host fish, Channa striatus (Bloch)

Detailed accounts supported by experimental data are furnished regarding the haematological parameters of the host fish, Channa striatus infested by the isopod, Alitropus typus. Results demonstrate that the infested fish become anaemic through loss of blood as shown by a reduction in the total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content and haematocrit. Considering the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and volume index, the anaemia can be designated as macrocytic and hypochromic. The total and differential counts of white blood corpuscles of the infested fish indicate leucopenia coupled with lymphocytosis. The percentages of monocytes, neutrophils and macrophages, which were 0.65%, 0.39% and 1.04%, respectively, after 24 h of infestation, had increased to 2.31%, 4.91% and 2.02%, respectively, after 96 h of infestation and declined thereafter.     

Effects of sulfamerazine on selected haematological and immunological parameters in rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792)

In the present study, effects of sulfamerazine on some haematological and immunological parameters of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) were examined. Four groups of rainbow trout were fed experimental diets containing either no sulfamerazine (control) or supplemented with sulfamerazine at 100 mg kg⁻¹ (Exp-A), 200 mg kg⁻¹ (Exp-B) or 400 mg kg⁻¹ (Exp-C) for 21 days. Blood samples were taken for the haematological and immunological parameters from fish on the third, seventh, 14th and 21st days of feeding. Haematological parameters [haematocrit, leucocrit, numbers of erythrocytes (RBC) and leucocytes (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean haemoglobin concentration (MHC) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] and immunological parameters [phagocytic ratio (PR) and index (PI), glass-adherent NBT-positive cell activation, total plasma protein and total immunoglobulin (Ig)] were evaluated during the experimental trial. It has been observed that MCV ( P <0.05), PR and PI ( P >0.05) were increased and haematocrit and leucocrit value, numbers of erythrocytes and leucocyte, haemoglobin, MHC and MCHC values and total plasma protein and total Ig levels were decreased in rainbow trout after application of three different doses of sulfamerazine.     

Hematology of great sturgeon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Huso huso</Emphasis> Linnaeus, 1758) juvenile exposed to brackish water environment

The effect of environmental salinity on hematological parameters of great sturgeon Huso huso juveniles was studied. Five-month-old juveniles (mean body weight 28.3 ± 2.1 g) were subjected to 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 ppt salinities. The hematological parameters were assessed after a period of 20 days rearing at these salinities. After transfer from fresh water to brackish water, red blood cells, hematocrit, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin decreased, but mean corpuscular volume increased. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, monocyte counts, and eosinophil counts showed no significant variations with increase in environmental salinity. An increase was found in lymphocyte counts according to the increase of salinity from 0 to 12 ppt, while the fresh water control group maintained basal levels. Decrease in neutrophil counts was observed in great sturgeon with increase in environmental salinity. These data show significant effect of salinity on the blood parameters of great sturgeon.     

Effect of heparin and EDTA as anticoagulants on hematological values in farmed juvenile of Arapaima gigas

The rapid coagulation of fish blood makes the use of anticoagulants in hematological analysis necessary and means that choosing the most appropriate product is important. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two different anticoagulants (heparin sodium and K₂EDTA), storage time, and temperature on the hematological values of Arapaima gigas juveniles. Twelve juveniles (905.79 ± 111.2 g and 49 ± 1.74 cm) kept in captivity were used for the tests. Blood was collected from the caudal vein and divided for the analysis of the effects of K₂EDTA 10% and heparin sodium 5000 IU, storage time (0, 5, 10, and 24 h), and temperature (4 and 28 °C). The hematocrit, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and differential leukocyte count were evaluated. The results revealed significant differences in the hematocrit, lymphocytes, and neutrophils when the anticoagulants were compared at 0 h of storage. In the hematocrit, heparin sodium produced variations, while K₂EDTA maintained the values constant at 5 h, the erythrocyte count constant for up to 24 h, with the exception of at 4 °C, while hemoglobin produced variations in all the groups at 5 h. The blood indices MCV, MCHC, and MCH were best preserved, without variations, using K₂EDTA at 28 °C for up to 5 h. In conclusion, K₂EDTA 10% at 28 °C maintained constant hematological values of Arapaima gigas for 5 h, with the exception of hemoglobin, which should be analyzed as soon as possible.

     

Effect of dietary prebiotic inulin on histology,immuno‐haematological and biochemical parameters of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of supplementation of inulin on histology, immuno‐haematological and biochemical parameters of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings with an initial average body weight of 7.14 ± 0.05 g. Inulin was supplemented at four different concentrations (control) 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg in the L. calcarifer diet containing 400 g/kg protein and 90 g/kg lipid. At the end of the 60 days feeding trial, the absorptive surface area of the intestine and glycogen deposition in liver were increased in fish fed inulin supplemented diets. The immune parameters lysozyme, alternative complement pathway, superoxide dismutase and nitroblue tetrazolium assay showed significant (p < 0.05) difference between control and treatment groups. Haematological parameters showed that red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the fish fed with inulin supplemented diets. The analysis of biochemical parameters revealed that glucose, urea, cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between control and treatments groups. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed for total protein among different treatments. The results of the study revealed that 15–20 g/kg inulin supplementation has a beneficial effect in the histology, immuno‐haematological, and biochemical parameters in L. calcarifer juveniles.     

Protein‐to‐energy ratio of 21.43 g MJ−1 improves growth performance of Nile tilapia at the final rearing stage under commercially intensive rearing conditions

This study evaluated the effect of ratio of dietary digestible protein (DP) to digestible energy (DE) on growth performance, fillet chemical composition and haematological profile of Nile tilapia subjected to transport‐induced stress at the final rearing stage (450 to 800 g) under commercial conditions. The trial was conducted using a 5 × 2 factorial layout (DP: 200, 230, 260, 290 and 320 g kg^?1) and (DE: 12.6 and 13.8 MJ kg^?1). Energy levels did not influence any analysed parameters in this research. Final weight and biomass gain were increased up to the ratio of 269 and 270 g PD kg^?1, respectively, and feed conversion ratio was reduced down to a 275 g DP kg^?1. Protein efficiency ratio linearly decreased from 200 g DP kg^?1 diet to 320 g DP kg^?1. There was no statistical difference in fillet chemical composition. Red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were different before and after transport‐induced stress. Leucocyte differentiation after transport‐induced stress revealed lymphocytopenia and neutrophilia. We conclude that for tilapia weighing 450–800 g reared under commercially intensive conditions, a diet with 270 g DP kg^?1 and 12.6 MJ DE kg^?1 (21.43 g DP MJ^?1 DE) can improve the growth performance and ensure the fish health.     

Effects of cadmium on some haematological and biochemical characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis> (Linnaeus, 1758) dietary supplemented with tomato paste and vitamin E

The present study investigates the potential protective effects of tomato paste (9 mg/kg-lycopene) in comparison with vitamin E (50 mg/kg) against the impacts of cadmium (Cd) toxicity (4.64 mg/l: ¼ of 96 h LC50) on fishes Cd exposed for 15 and 30 days. Cd impacts were evaluated in terms of biological, haematological and biochemical characteristics. Cd significantly induced free radicals in serum and liver. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum were significantly increased due to Cd. Treatment with Cd caused a significant increase in Lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation in liver tissue and serum glucose and total lipid. On the other hand, Cd significantly led to decline in serum total protein, blood haemoglobin, red blood cell count, haematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E and/or tomato paste to Cd-exposed fish declined significantly the increased lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation in liver tissue and the increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose and total lipid in serum to the normal condition. This supplementation also significantly increased the declined serum total protein, blood haemoglobin, red blood cell count, haematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration to the normal state. Cd impacts and tomato paste/or vitamin E supplementations did not reflected on the condition factor of the fish. These findings demonstrated the beneficial diet supplementation of tomato paste phytonutrients and vitamin E in counteracting the harmful effects of Cd on the characters investigated.     

Effects of additive iron on growth,tissue distribution,haematology and immunology of gilthead sea bream, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparus aurata</Emphasis>

The comparative effects of iron-supplemented levels on growth, tissue distribution, haematology and immunology of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata (2 g) were investigated, using four organic (50, 100, 200, 300 mg ORG/kg diet) and one inorganic iron source (200 INOR mg/kg diet). Fish were treated for 12 weeks with the experimental diets and maintained at a water temperature of 19–22°C. Growth (final weight and specific growth rate), tissue distribution (spleen, liver and muscle), haematological parameters (red blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) and non-specific immune indexes (respiratory burst activity and antibacterial activity of serum) were analysed. No significant differences were found in growth and iron tissue distribution among the tested groups. Red blood cell counting was statistically higher in fish given 50 ORG, 100 ORG, 200 ORG and 200 INOR feeds. However, haematocrit, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were not significantly affected by increasing dietary iron. Fish receiving the 100 ORG diet had the best performance with respect to the respiratory burst activity and significantly higher values for antibacterial activity of serum were obtained in fish fed with the 300 ORG diet. The present findings provided no clear evidence of the optimum iron concentration. However, there was adequate indication that iron supplementation enhanced the performance of gilthead sea bream, mainly from a haematological and immunological point of view.     

Blood parameters in brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1815), affected by columnaris disease

Mass death of farmed brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis reared in raceway culture on a commercial fish farm was recorded in May. The condition was caused by natural infection with external signs of Flavobacterium columnare. Haematological analyses were carried out from peripheral blood from 10 fish from each group. Anaemia was characterized by a reduced erythrocyte count and lower haemoglobin levels; the values of mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin were higher and the values of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were decreased. Clinical chemistry analyses in blood plasma indicated decreased levels of total protein, glucose and total calcium and an increase in the urea level. Among the four enzymes analysed, a catalytic activity reaching multiples of the normal level was found in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. The catalytic concentration of alkaline phosphatase was decreased. Electrophoretic analyses of the plasma protein indicated a reduced level of albumin. The moribund fish had a higher hepatosomatic index and their condition coefficient after Fulton and after Clark was also higher.     

Effect of Trachelobdella lubrica (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) on biochemical and haematological characteristics of black scorpion fish (Scorpaena porcus, Linnaeus 1758)

Black Scorpion fish (Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus 1758) caught during monthly sampling carried out in 2003 in the Dardanelles, Turkey, were examined for the parasite. Trachelobdella lubrica. Infested fish were caught only during December 2003, and the clinical conditions of the 12 fish naturally infested with T. lubrica included fin rot, swollen foci of skin and haemorrhages of the gill and abdominal skin. The prevalence, intensity and abundance of infestation in December 2003 were 40%, 1.75 and 0.70, respectively. The average hepatosomatic index of the infested fish was lower than that of noninfested fish, while the means of the kidney index, splenosomatic index, condition factor, body weight and length were not significantly different between the infested and noninfested fish groups. Blood analysis was conducted on 12 naturally infested and 12 healthy (noninfested) Black Scorpion fish to determine the possible characteristic changes in blood parameters of the fish in response to natural infestation with T. lubrica. Blood leucocyte counts, haematocrit levels, serum total protein, albumin phosphorus, urea, glucose, globulin, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in naturally infested Black Scorpion fish were significantly less than those of the noninfested fish (p < 0.05). No significant decreases were observed in the serum sodium, iron, calcium, potassium, chlorine, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values of the naturally infested fish. Blood haemoglobin values, erythrocyte counts and serum glutamate aspartate aminotransferase (glutamate oxalacetate transaminase), alanine aminotransferase (glutamate pyruvate transaminase), uric acid and very low-density lipids levels of infested fish were insignificantly greater than those in healthy fish.     

Effects of dietary levels of essential oil (EO) extract from bitter lemon (Citrus limon) fruit peels on growth,biochemical, haemato‐immunological parameters and disease resistance in Juvenile Labeo victorianus fingerlings challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Essential oils (EOs) are used in the food industry because of their biological activity. We evaluated the effects of administration of essential oil (EO) extracted from bitter lemon (Citrus limon) fruit peels on the growth performance, biochemical, haemato‐immunological parameters and possible disease resistance in fingerlings (4 weeks old) Labeo victorianus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish were divided into five groups and fed diets supplemented with C. limon fruit peels EO extract at 1%, 2%, 5% and 8% [as fed basis] and treatment compared with control group fed diet without C. limon fruit peels EO extract. The experiment was executed in triplicate. Concentration of plasma cortisol, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol decreased while that of total protein and albumin increased as dietary inclusion of the EO extract of C. limon fruit peels was increased from 2% to 5%. Meanwhile haemato‐immunological parameters including red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) counts, haematocrit (Htc), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and neutrophiles increased with increasing dietary inclusion from 1% to 5% inclusion of C. limon fruit peels EO extract. Serum immunoglobulins, lysozyme activity and respiratory burst increased with increasing dietary levels up to 5% inclusion of EO extract of C. limon fruit peels. We demonstrate that formulation of feeds by incorporating upto 5% the EO extract from C. limon fruit peels significantly improved biochemical, haematological and immunological response in juvenile fish resulting to lower mortality than the untreated groups and appear to be effective antibacterial against A. hydrophila.     

Nutritional,physiological and haematological responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles fed detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal

Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose and drought‐resistant tree, widespread throughout tropics and subtropics. Its seeds are rich in oil and protein. It is being promoted as a biofuel plant. Jatropha kernel meal obtained after oil extraction is an excellent source of protein [580–660 g kg^?1 crude protein (CP)]. However, the presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents restricts its use in fish feed. Jatropha kernel meal was detoxified. Using Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles, a 12‐week experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality of detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM). Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles (36, av. wt. 4.2 ± 0.4 g) were distributed into three groups with 12 replicates and fed isonitrogenous (CP 450 g kg^?1) diets: control [fish meal (FM)–based protein], J₅₀ and J_62.5 (50% and 62.5% of fishmeal protein replaced by DJKM). Growth performance, apparent lipid conversion, hepatosomatic index, nutrients and energy digestibilities; efficiency of digestible nutrients and energy; and glucose and creatinine levels in blood were statistically similar (P > 0.05) for control and J₅₀ but were higher (P < 0.05) than for J_62.5. Opposite trend was observed for phosphorus, sodium, albumin and total protein in blood. Feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value, energy retention, gastro somatic index, muscle lipid peroxide; and red and white blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration; alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminases activity, globulin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, calcium and potassium in blood and lysozyme activity in serum did not differ significantly among the groups. Intestinal enzyme activities; and plasma and muscle cholesterol levels for control were higher (P < 0.05) than for DJKM groups, while opposite trend was observed for relative intestinal length (mm g^?1). Conclusively, performance of J₅₀ group was similar to control group and, thus, is recommended as the optimal diet for rainbow trout.