Evaluation of hematological and plasma indices in grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, with reference to age, sex, and hormonal treatment

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the changes in hematological and plasma indices of Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.) with regard to age, sex, and hormonal treatment. Sixty specimens of C. idella, comprising fifteen of each age (6, 12, 24, and 36 months) were used to evaluate the age factor. Additionally, 20 fish, both females and males, were designated to determine blood indices with regard to sex and hormonal treatment. The following biochemical indexes were determined in the blood plasma: glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and total protein (TP). Glucose and triglyceride levels differed significantly among ages, and significant age-related differences were noted in the values of red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). There were no significant differences in any parameters between males and females. In conclusion, our results showed that the plasma parameter profile could be affected by age (RBC, WBC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, glucose, triglycerides) and hormonal treatment (lymphocytes and eosinophils). The blood plasma biochemical and hematological profiles permitted assessing physiological state, which provided useful information for monitoring changes in the health status of the fish.