Comparison between serum values of pond and intensive raceway cultured channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

Blood serum components in channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) were compared between raceway (with low dissolved oxygen) and pond populations. Normal limits were defined for the pond populations, for each of 18 variables, as ± two standard deviations. Carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, and total bilirubin were all lower in fish raised in raceways. Carbon dioxide and sodium had the greatest reductions; all reductions were statistically significant.
Alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, cholesterol, and glucose values were higher in raceway fish, but only alkaline phosphatase and glucose were significantly higher.