Haematological and biochemical values for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus cultured in semi-intensive system - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v25i2.2028

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the reference ranges for haematological and biochemical values for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Cichlidae), cultivated in a semi-intensive system. Erythrocytes number was 6.93 ± 8.28 x 10⁶/mm³, hemoglobin 10.52 ± 3.09g/dL of blood and hematocrit 31.85 ± 8.45%, mean corpuscular volume (MVC) 148.80 ±. 153.19µ³, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 40.74 ± 34.19 pg and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 35.24 ± 14.92%. Total plasma protein and glucose values obtained were 3.06 ± 0.65g/dl and 60.32 ± 20.22mg/dl, respectively. A correlation matrix was established to compare de degree of association among biometric data and hematological parameters, and among each of them and biochemical values. A positive correlation was observed among weight, length, MCV and MHC, as well as between length and hematocrit. The blood glucose level was positively correlated with weight and length, whereas total protein was positively correlated with hemoglobin. The erythrocytes count was positively correlated with hemoglobin and negatively correlated with MCV and MHC. Microscopy examination of blood smears revealed the presence of erythrocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Under the conditions employed here, no basophils or eosinophils, nor their precursors, could be found in blood smears of Nile tilapia