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.     

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.     

Jaundice disease in the farmed catfish hybrid, Clarias macrocephalus (Gunther) ×C. gariepinus (Burchell), in Thailand

Abstract. In recent years, jaundice disease in farmed hybrid catfish in Thailand has caused high levels of mortalities. Affected fish are lethargic and anorexic and show yellow pigmentation of the skin and gills. Internally, the spleen, kidney and gall bladder are enlarged, and the spleen, kidney, liver and body fat are a pale yellow colour. Most fish contain a yellow ascitic fluid in their abdomen. Histological examination of tissues from diseased fish revealed heavy deposits of haemosiderin and ceroid in the spleen, kidney and liver. Haematological measurements showed that haematocrit values, RBC count, haemoglobin concentration, MCH and MCHC were significantly decreased in affected fish while MCV, total bilirubin and direct reacting bilirubin were significantly increased. The results indicate that the fish are suffering from a haemolytic anaemia associated with lipoid liver degeneration. The disease is thought to be due to the feeding of rancid chicken viscera.     

Alteration in haematological and biochemical parameters of Catla catla exposed to sub-lethal concentration of cypermethrin

A 60-day experiment was carried out to study the effect of sub-lethal concentration of cypermethrin (1/10th of LC₅₀) exposure on haematological and biochemical parameters of the Indian major carp, Catla catla fingerlings. Under exposure, the total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, haemoglobin content and haematocrit were decreased. All the studied serum parameters viz. total serum protein, albumin, globulin contents and albumin–globulin ratio were significantly decreased in cypermethrin-exposed fishes. A marked increase was recorded in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in liver, whereas lactate dehydrogenase activity of muscle and acetylcholine esterase activity in brain were inhibited in cypermethrin-exposed fish. The membrane transport enzymes (total adenosine triphosphatase, sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase and magnesium adenosine triphosphatase) activities were decreased significantly in the gills of C. catla exposed to sub-lethal concentration of cypermethrin. The present study indicates that sub-lethal exposure of C. catla fingerlings to cypermethrin alters the haematological and biochemical parameters.     

Influence of salinity and dietary composition on blood parameter values of hybrid red tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) ×O. mossambicus (Peters)

The influence of salinity and dietary composition on blood parameter values (haematocrit, leucocrit, immature lymphocytes, mature lymphocytes, granulocytes, plasma osmolarity and total plasma protein) of red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) x O. mossambicus (Peters), was studied. Two groups of tilapia were fed a high-protein diet while kept in fresh or brackish water, respectively, and compared with two groups fed a low-protein diet under similar environmental conditions. Treatments were executed in duplo. Results show that salinity influenced all cellular blood parameters except the haematocrit. Dietary composition influenced the total plasma protein and haematocrit, while all parameters changed as time progressed during the experiment. It was concluded that the environmental parameters investigated in the present study should be considered when estimating fish health based on blood parameter values.     

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.     

Determining the optimum doses of Kurasan (ethoxiquinolin) and butylhydroxytoluol (BHT) in dry pellets: effect of both anti-oxidants on some haematological and condition parameters of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson

Abstract. Kurasan and BHT were tested at doses of 100, 200 and 400mg kg^-1 incorporated in dry pellets. The administration of these antioxidants did not influence the red blood count of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, at body weights of 100 to 400g, reared in flow-through tanks at water temperatures of 7 to 13°C and in cage culture at water temperatures of 15 to 2O°C. In laboratory experiments at a water temperature of 14°C, the highest Kurasan dose increased the red blood cell (RBC) count insignificantly by 14% (1.06 vs 0.93 10¹²1^-1) after 80 days, haematocrit (PCV) was increased by 27% (0.410 vs 0.32511^-1), and haemoglobin (Hb) by 16% (72 vs 62gl^-1), This was seen in the cage culture experiment, but not in the experiments in the flow-through tanks. A trend of diminishing haematological parameters of the red blood count and total blood serum protein (TP) of the fish fed with BHT-stabilized diet was recorded only under laboratory conditions at the water temperature 9°C, The decline of RBC count in the experimental group with 0.04% BHT represented 14% (0.90 vs 1.05 10¹²1^-1), the decline in PCV amounted to 18% (0.328 vs 0.39811^-1), Hb to 17% (57 vs 69g 1^-1), and TP to 11% (39 vs 44g 1^-1).     

The influence of changes in oxygen tension on the haematocrit value of blood samples from asphyxic rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Changes in haematocrit values were studied in vitro in blood samples of asphyxic rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) treated under reduced oxygen tension and with oxygen. The haematocrit value of blood kept under reduced oxygen tension increased by only about 5% during the first hour. When blood samples were oxygenated, their haematocrit value decreased by about 11% during the first hour. The MCHC value obtained for the blood directly after sampling showed that the cells were swollen in vivo. The causes of cellular swelling are discussed.     

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).     

Stress-related physiological responses to handling in common dentex (Dentex dentex Linnaeus, 1758)

The effects of handling on haematocrit, haemoglobin, plasma glucose, lactate and total amino acids, liver glycogen and hepatic activity of fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) and alanine aminotransferase (AAT) were investigated in common dentex (Dentex dentex Linnaeus, 1758). A total of 42 fish (50‐g weight) were subjected to handling (netting and shaking in the air for 45 s). Six fish were sampled at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h after handling. Six unstressed fish were also sacrificed at each time and used as controls. Handling resulted in a rise in plasma glucose and lactate levels, as well as in enhanced hepatic FBPase and AAT activities. In most cases values returned to control levels 8 h after handling. There were no significant changes in haematocrit, haemoglobin, plasma total amino acids and liver glycogen levels as a consequence of handling. The results suggest that dentex is rather tolerant to handling; apparently, sensitivity to handling is not the main factor responsible for the low survival exhibited by this species in aquaculture.     

Effect of the digenean Isoparorchis hypselobagri (Billet, 1898) on an airbreathing fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) with particular reference to biochemical and haematological changes

Abstract. Morphological, behavioural and haematological changes in Channa punctatus caused by infection with the digenean Isoparorchis hypselobagri are reported. Morphological changes include partial necrosis of fin tissue, scale loss (particularly along the opercula and caudal peduncle) and loss of pigmentation, together with considerable damage to the viscera, especially the gonads, and the abdominal muscles. Behavioural changes include partial or complete loss of equilibrium, irritability and convulsions. Haematological changes observed were a significant decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit values resulting in hypochromicmacrocytic and normochromicnormocytic anaemia together with an increase in total leucocyte number. Significant decreases in blood glucose level and liver glycogen content were also observed. Some of the changes could be partially compensated by providing a bigger food ration. Compensatory effects were observed for haemoglobin and haematocrit values and leucocyte number. However, an increase in diet could not arrest the significant decrease in blood glucose level and liver glycogen content. The possible effects of parasitism on the utilization and productivity of C. punctatus are discussed.     

Effect of lecithin on the haematological and condition indices of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) were studied for 98 days for their response to the administration of a 1% rapeseed lecithin supplement in dry pellets. Lecithin tended to stimulate erythropoiesis, which manifested itself as a higher erythrocyte count, a higher haematocrit level and higher haemoglobin concentration during the course of the trial, compared with the control group. The significant differences that were found in the haematological profile, in the parameters of nitrogen metabolism (total protein, blood nitrogen urea, uric acid, creatinine) and mineral metabolism (inorganic phosphate, total calcium) and in the activity of catalytic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase), in certain periods of the trial do not suggest any adverse effects on the state of health of the fish; the levels of haematological parameters remained within the range of reference values. The catalytic activity of the aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and α‐hydroxybutyryl dehydrogenase as well as the hepatosomatic index and condition factors calculated after Fulton and after Clark were unchanged. Lecithin supplement to the diet caused no clinical changes in the state of health of the fish, nor were any changes ascribable to the administration of lecithin observed on the basis of the patho‐anatomic and histological examination. Considering this and the good results in terms of the supporting antioxidant properties and the effect on growth capacity, recorded in previous experiments, rapeseed lecithin at the tested concentration level can be recommended as a supplement to dry pellets for rainbow trout.     

Haematological responses in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., to sublethal infestation by Anguillicola crassus in a thermal effluent of the Swedish Baltic

Abstract. Haematological variations were studied in a European eel population, Anguilla anguilla L., naturally infested by the sanguivorous nematode Anguillicola crassus. This occurred off the Swedish Baltic coast in an area receiving heated cooling water from a nuclear power station. The erythrocyte count, haematocrit, leucocrit, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations, the various cell types in peripheral blood, serum iron concentration, the amount of total serum protein, and scrum protein fractions α ₁ , β₁ , α ₂, β ₂ and γ were all measured. Each variable was correlated to: (1) the intensity of infestation, i.e. number of parasites per host; and (2) a parasitization index, i.e. the weight of parasites per somatic weight of the host. Most variables showed no or only minor reactions to the infestation. However, a marked increase in the γ -fraction of scrum proteins, reduced lymphocyte numbers and increased granulocyte numbers are indicative of a humoral and cellular immune response.     

Effect of dietary lysine and methionine supplementation on growth, nutrient utilization, carcass compositions and haemato-biochemical status in Indian Major Carp, Rohu (Labeo rohita H.) fed soy protein-based diet

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in flow through system to examine the effects of dietary supplementation of lysine and methionine on growth, nutrient utilization, haemato-biochemical status and carcass compositions in Indian major carp, rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings (average weight 6.32 ± 0.06 g). Four experimental soy protein-based diets D ₀ (without lysine or methionine supplementation), D ₁ (lysine supplementation alone), D ₂ (methionine supplementation alone) and D₃ (both lysine and methionine supplementation) were fed to triplicate groups. l -Lysine and dl -methionine were added to the diets containing 550 g kg⁻¹ soybean meals at 4 and 7 g kg⁻¹ of dry diet respectively. Significant higher weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), dry matter retention, nitrogen retention, total ash retention, whole carcass protein, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, total erythrocytic count, total leucocytic count, plasma glucose and plasma total protein and lower FCR, per cent lipid retention and whole body moisture content were observed in fish fed soya protein-based diet supplemented with both lysine and methionine than that of fish of other dietary groups at the end of 8 weeks feeding trial. Although fish fed diet supplemented with either methionine or lysine did not show any significant differences of growth performances, feed utilization, carcass composition and haemato-biochemical status, fish of both of these dietary groups showed significantly better growth performances, feed utilization, carcass composition and haemato-biochemical status than that of fish fed diet without lysine and methionine supplementation.     

Observational study of erythrocytic inclusion bodies in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the British Isles

An observational study was conducted of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the British Isles with regard to intraerythrocytic inclusions and disease prevalence. Intraerythrocytic inclusions were observed to be widespread in Atlantic salmon from farms in Ireland and Scotland. The percentage of fish infected with these inclusions and the intensity of infection were greater in sea stage salmon than those in fresh water. This corresponded with reduced values for haematological parameters (haematocrit, erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC). There appeared to be a significant association between the presence of the intraerythrocytic inclusions and focal cardiomyopathy, although there was no established association with overt clinical disease and the presence of the inclusions. There was also a significant association between the presence of raised splenic haemosiderin and multiple intraerythrocytic inclusions.     

Haematological assessment of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., infected with Renibacterium salmoninarum

Abstract. Groups of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and Atlantic salmon, S. salar L., were infected with Renibacterium salmoninarum , injected with killed bacteria or starved. Selected red and white cell parameters were measured over a 35–day period. As a result of successful infection a typical granulomatous disease developed during which haematocrit, red cell count, haemoglobin, red cell diameter and the ratio of mature to immature erythrocytes all decreased. Red cell depletion was shown to be caused by their retention in the spleen and to be the cause of the observed splenomegaly. Increases in monocytes, thrombocytes and neutrophils were recorded in both infected groups.     

Diel pattern of haematocrit, serum metabolites, osmotic pressure, electrolytes and thyroid hormones in sea bass and sea bream

The diel pattern of haematocrit, serum metabolites, electrolytes and thyroid hormones are described in sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, and sea bream, Sparus auratus, held under 12L:12D light cycle (0600–1800 h light). No diel rhythmicity in haematocrit, total proteins, potassium and chloride was observed. Maximum values of glucose, osmotic pressure and sodium were recorded at dusk (1800 h) in both species, irrespective of differences in the size of fish and feeding regime used. Maximum and minimum triiodothyronine values were found during the scotophase in bass and during the photophase in bream. Maximum thyroxine levels occurred at 1400 h (bass) and 1800 h (bream) and minimum during the scotophase, in both species. The light/dark alternation seems to be an important synchronizer of the observed diel changes. Results are discussed in relation to the timing of feeding and the general activity of the fish.     

Growth performance of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus,fed diets containing levels of pyridoxine and haematological response under heat stress

In order to assess the effect of dietary pyridoxine supplementation on the growth performance of Nile tilapia and the haematological response under heat stress, 192 fingerlings (8.41 ± 0.22 g) were randomly distributed into eight tanks and fed practical diets supplemented with increasing levels of pyridoxine (0.0; 5.0; 10.0 and 20.0 mg of pyridoxal HCl kg^?1 diet) for 91 days. The fish were then weighed and the diet was quantified to determine the growth performance [weight gain (WG), feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency rate, protein retention (PR) and survival percentage]. Haematological analyses (red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin, total leucocyte and differentiation, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio) were carried out and then 32 fish were transferred and subjected to heat stress (32 °C) for 3 days, after which the haematological parameters were analysed. The fish fed the unsupplemented diet showed the lowest WG and PR. For the normal growth and health of the Nile tilapia, the Pyridoxine requirement in a practical diet is 10.0 mg of pyridoxine HCl kg^?1.     

Dietary profile of n‐3 series LC‐PUFAs in rainbow trout under regular stripping condition: Semen production and quality,hepato‐somatic index,haemato‐immunologic values,oxidative stress and fatty acid composition of liver,muscle and semen

In this study, the semen production and quality, hepato‐somatic index, haemato‐immunologic values, oxidative stress and the fatty acid contents in liver, muscle and semen of rainbow trout fed diets supplemented n‐3 series long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) under regular stripping condition were investigated. For this aim, three diets (Control, D1 and D2) were prepared. These diets were contained n‐3 LC‐PUFAs (as a percentage of dietary total fatty acid) at 3.14%, 7.84% and 13.63% respectively. Experimental fish were fed with the control and test diets. The highest hepato‐somatic index, spermatologic (semen pH and volume, sperm motility and density), haematologic (haematocrit value, haemoglobin, erythrocyte count, corpuscular volume, haemoglobin and its concentration in corpuscular), immunologic (nitroblue tetrazolium activity, leucocyte count, phagocytic index, protein and immunoglobulin [IgM] in total plasma) and antioxidants (reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) values were found in fish fed the D2, D1 and control diets respectively (p < 0.01). Increase in the dietary n‐3 LC‐PUFAs was not significantly (p > 0.01) increased the oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) in fish. The results indicated that the n‐3 LC‐PUFAs at 13.63% level of total fatty acid in the diet could increase the semen production and quality, hepato‐somatic index, haematologic and immunologic values, and the n‐3 LC‐PUFA contents in liver, muscle and semen of rainbow trout broodstock under regular stripping condition.     

Haematological response and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed diets containing folic acid

Haematological response and growth performance over 150 days, and resistance to a low-temperature stress of Nile tilapia fed diets with increasing folic acid (FA) levels were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with eight FA levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 mg kg⁻¹ feed) supplemented in purified diets (32.0% CP and 13 398 kj DE kg⁻¹). One hundred and ninety-two fingerlings were randomly assigned to 32 net cages distributed in eight 1000 L aquaria with a physical and biological filter and a temperature control system (26.0 ± 1.0 °C). For cold-induced stress, fish were transferred to 24 30 L-aquaria with individual biofilters and aeration. The water temperature was gradually reduced until it reached 13 °C. Haematological parameters evaluated before and after cold stress were total erythrocytes and leucocytes count, differential leucocyte, haemoglobin, haematocrit, total plasmatic protein and haematometric indices. Growth performance parameters were mean weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival. Dietary FA supplementation did not influence erythropoiesis under normal temperature conditions; cold stress impaired erythropoiesis, causing hypochromic microcytic anaemia and leucopoiesis, and also neutrophilia. Growth performance is influenced by folate and supplementation between 0.5 and 1.0 mg FA kg⁻¹ diet, which makes up for nutritional demands, guaranteeing production and health under appropriate temperature conditions.