Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LIX (1)
Written by Alexandru LATARETU, Florin FURNARIS, Elena MITRANESCU
Hematologic parameters are considered important indicators of the fish health status, providing useful information for assessing their welfare. Fish response to stressors is similar to higher vertebrates, being represented by the quick release of catecholamines, followed by the corticosteroids release. The study aims to establish stress level in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by obtaining an overview of the morphology of blood cells, their number and percentage distribution in peripheral blood. The biological material was represented by a group of 5 fish weighing between 2.5 and 3 kg. From fish there were collected blood samples using heparinized syringes, after which the samples were transferred into Li-heparin containers. Leukocyte count was made on smears with Diff-Quick staining. The study of cells characteristics was performed by optical microscopy. Obtained results were compared with hematologic reference ranges for carp. Analyzing the results, it was noticed the presence of erythrocytes and platelets and, from the white series, of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and heterophils. Among leukocytes, 80% were represented by lymphocytes, eosinophils were reduced in number and basophils were not identified, this aspect being in accordance with other authors’ findings. The results obtained in this study framed for most parameters within the reference ranges for carp. In fish, according to literature, lymphocytes have a role in specific immune response, neutrophils in the inflammatory response and in phagocytic function, eosinophils have a role in phagocytosis of parasites, monocytes migrate into tissues to become macrophages. Action of stress factors upon the white line cells is manifested as lymphopenia with relative granulocytosis. Given the results, it can be concluded that there is a low level of stress for the fish in study and they are reared under appropriate, welfare-friendly conditions.
[Read full article] [Citation]
fish
