Effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on haematological indices in West African dwarf goats

We investigated the possible toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in West African dwarf goats. The goats (20) were randomly divided into four equal groups; three of which were exposed to graded levels (low, medium and high doses) of 2,4-D for a period of 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the treatment group goats as well as the control group goats on weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6. The blood samples were used for analysis of haematologic indices such as packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count (EC), total leucocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Total leucocyte counts were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by the test herbicide (2,4-D) in all the treatment groups. Significant reduction in the levels of PCV, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH and MCHC were also recorded in all treatment groups. There was no significant change (p > 0.05) in the erythrocyte count value of all the four groups. The significant reduction in the haematologic indices of West African dwarf goats (WADG) as evidenced from the result of this study, suggest the possibility of 2,4-D toxicity in these goats.     

Genetic variability and differentiation of wild and cultured tench populations inferred from microsatellite loci

Nine species-specific microsatellites were used to characterize 792 tench, Tinca tinca (L.), from 21 wild and cultured populations. Seven loci were polymorphic expressing four to 22 alleles. A Spanish cultured strain was homozygous at all loci for all individuals studied. Low variability was also observed in a wild population from Sapanca Lake, Turkey and a Chinese cultured strain. In contrast, the highest variabilities were found in wild tench from lake Felchowsee (average number of alleles), and the cultured strain from Königswartha (average heterozygosity), both from Germany. Genetic differentiation between populations was moderate to high. The smallest genetic distances were found between the geographically most distant populations. A Neighbor-Joining tree showed only two major clades consisting of 4 and 17 populations, respectively. Within the smaller clade the Turkish wild and Spanish and Chinese cultured tench formed a sub-cluster with 100% bootstrap support. Possible reasons for the latter unexpected grouping are discussed.     

A performance test with five different strains of tench (Tinca tinca L.) under controlled warm water conditions

Growth performance tests were carried out with a total of five different strains of tench (Tinca tinca L.) originating from the Czech Republic (4) and Germany (1). Tench larvae and juveniles were reared in closed recirculating systems for 446 to 452 days, respectively. At the end of each test, the tench strains showed differences in performance, e.g. specific growth rates (SGR) from 2.13 to 2.52, feed conversion ratios (FCR) from 1.75 to 3.65 kg feed per kg weight gain, and survival rates from 64.4 to 81.0%. Thus, appropriate strain selection appears to have the potential to remarkably increase productivity of the species. The highest SGR was observed in the Vodnany 96 strain in the first trial and the best FCR in the Tabor strain in the second trial. However, the rearing conditions in the recirculating systems were not optimal for tench; many fish with deformed bones (head, fins, spine) were observed in all strains, particularly in the faster‐growing strains.     

The haematology of triploid landlocked Atlantic salmon, Salmo solar L.

Triploid landlocked Atlantic salmon had a larger mean erythrocyte volume but lower erythrocyte count than diploids; the haematocrit was the same in diploids and triploids. Although the total blood haemoglobin content and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were lower in triploids than in diploids, the actual mean corpuscular haemoglobin content of triploid erythrocytes was higher than that of diploids. The increase in triploid mean erythrocyte volume was mainly due to an increase in cell length; there was only a minor increase in cell width and no increase in cell height. The nucleus of triploid erythrocytes occupied a greater percentage of the corpuscular volume than did the diploid nucleus. Mean cytoplasmic haemoglobin concentration was found to be the same for diploids and triploids when this was taken into account     

Haematological profile of common carp spawners of various breeds

The goal of this study was to determine the basic haematological profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) spawners of eight breeds reared under identical conditions and sampled in spring after overwintering. Significant differences were found among the breeds for haemoglobin level (Hb), haematocrit value (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values. The number of red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), number of leukocytes (WBC) and leukocyte differential count (WBC DIFF) did not differ significantly among the respective breeds. The highest Hb, PCV and MCH values were found for Ropsha scaly carp (ROP) and Amur wild carp (AS) (Hb 109 ± 17 and 106 ± 15 g l^?1; PCV 0.40 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.06 l l^?1; MCH 69 ± 7 and 69 ± 9 pg, respectively). The AS specimens and breeds that originated [ROP, Ukraine scaly carp (US), and Northern mirror carp (M72)] showed significantly higher values of Hb (P < 0.01), PCV (P < 0.01), MCV (P < 0.05) and MCH (P < 0.05), compared to the other four breeds: Hungarian mirror carp (M2), Israeli mirror carp (Dor 70), South Bohemian mirror carp (BV) and Tata scaly carp (TAT). Males showed significantly higher PCV, Hb and RBC values within individual breeds. This study demonstrated that Amur wild carp and breeds originating from it had significantly higher values of erythrocyte profile in comparison with the other breeds studied.     

Phagocytic process of head kidney granulocytes of tench (Tinca tinca, L.)

The phagocytic activity of pronephric granulocytes of spring tench at 22° C was evaluated. The head kidney was chosen because it is known to be the principal hematopoietic organ in teleosts. The granulocytes were isolated by Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Head kidney granulocytes were found capable of adhering both to nylon fibre and to a smooth plastic surface, to have a mobility capacity which is both spontaneous and oriented to a chemoattractant, and be able to attach and ingest Candida albicans (with and without serum) as well as latex beads (inert particles). Moreover, they show candidicidal activity and a capacity to increase NBT (nitroblue tetrazolium) reduction.     

Comparison of performance of genome manipulated and standard tench, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tinca tinca</Emphasis> (L.), groups under pond management conditions

A triennial performance test of five groups of tench, Tinca tinca (L.): Vodnany induced triploid V3n, Vodnany meiotic gynogenic Vgyn, diploid Vodnany V2n, Hungarian H2n and German G2n) in pond monoculture was carried out with diploid golden tench as control (C) to compute corrected weight of the groups tested. Survival rate ranged from 11.6% (V2n) to 30.6% (Vgyn) in yearlings, from 71.2% (V2n) to 91.5% (H2n) in 2 year-olds, from 60.0% (Vgyn) to 75.7% (V2n) in 3 year-olds while that of the control group was 8.5, 38.3 and 40.2% in the respective seasons. After three growing seasons the corrected weight of the fish in the groups H2n (254.6^bg), V3n (257.0^cg) and G2n (371.4^cg) was higher (P < 0.05, Tukey HSD test) than that from the C (183.3^ag) and V2n(205.6^abg) groups. Among the chromosomally manipulated groups, ANCOVA test found the least slaughtering value for Vgyn (84.3%); among the purebreds the highest value was found for H2n (87.32%), significantly differing from V2n and G2n strains. A high gonadosomatic index in females (2.94 vs. 0.44% in males) resulted in inferior slaughtering values.     

Negative correlation between erythrocyte count and mean corpuscular volume or mean corpuscular haemoglobin in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects

Negative correlation was observed between erythrocyte count (RBC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) or mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in both sexes of diabetic and non-diabetic Libyans. The slopes of regression lines for MCV-RBC and MCH-RBC of diabetic patients were significantly lower (P less than 0.001) than those of their non-diabetic counterparts. Positive correlation was found between MCH and MCV. The slope of the regression line for MCH-MCV of diabetic patients was not significantly different from that of non-diabetic subjects.     

PCR-RFLP assays to distinguish the Western and Eastern phylogroups in wild and cultured tench Tinca tinca

The tench Tinca tinca is a valued table fish native to Europe and Asia, but which is now widely distributed in many temperate freshwater regions of the world as the result of human-mediated translocations. Fish are currently being transplanted between watersheds without concern for genetic similarity to wild populations or local adaptation, and efficient phylogeographic markers are therefore urgently needed to rapidly distinguish genetically distinct geographical populations and to assess their contribution to the hatchery breeds and to the stocked wild populations. Here, we present a new method to distinguish recently discovered and morphologically undistinguishable Western and Eastern phylogroups of the tench. The method relies on PCR-RFLP assays of two independent nuclear-encoded exon-primed intron-crossing (EPIC) markers and of one mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) marker and allows the rapid identification of the Western and Eastern phylogroup and also of three geographical mtDNA clades within the Eastern phylogroup. Our method will enable researchers and fishery practitioners to rapidly distinguish genetically divergent geographical populations of the tench and will be useful for monitoring the introduction and human-mediated spread of the phylogroups in wild populations, for characterization of cultured strains and in breeding experiments.     

The influence of ploidy level on ultrastructure and motility of tench <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tinca tinca</Emphasis> (L.) spermatozoa

The ultrastructure of diploid and triploid tench Tinca tinca (L.) spermatozoa were examined using electron microscopy focusing on parameters that influence movement. Triploid tench were produced artificially using a cold shock. Spermatozoa of triploid males in comparison with diploids featured significantly larger head (P < 0.01), higher amount of mitochondria (P < 0.05), and, surprisingly larger widths of the peripheral doublets and central pair of microtubules and the single microtubule (P < 0.01). However, the diameters of the flagellum were without significant differences as well as the length of the flagellum and length and width of the midpiece. Also motility parameters of spermatozoa did not significantly differ between diploid and triploid males, but the total velocity (summary of spermatozoa velocity and duration of movement) positively correlated with the flagellum length and negatively with the head diameter of tench spermatozoa with a high significant influence (P < 0.01).     

Ethological and haematological response of catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis,exposed to exogenous urea

Exposure of the airbreathing catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis to a sublethal concentration (200 mg/l) of urea resulted in blanching of skin, increased mucus secretion, hyperexcitability and higher rate of surfacing and gill ventilation. These changes were more pronounced during the first eight days of exposure as compared to the later period. A progressive increase in haematocrit, erythrocyte count, percentage of immature erythrocytes, mean corpuscular volume and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was observed during the 20 day exposure period. White blood cell-thrombocyte count registered a sharp decline initially upto 6 days but steadily increased afterwards. Initial decrease in the total leucocyte count was found to be mainly due to the decline in the number of lymphocytes and thrombocytes while the percentage of granulocytes (neutrophils and eosinophils) and monocytes showed a reverse trend.     

Light colour influences the behaviour and stress physiology of captive tench (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tinca tinca</Emphasis>)

Groups of juvenile tench (7.02 ± 0.28 g) were reared under four different light regimes; blue light, red light (80 Wm⁻² 12L:12D photoperiod) white light (912 ± 210 lux, 80 Wm⁻², 12L:12D photoperiod) and no light (0 lux) (0L:24D). Visibility of fish out of shelters was used as an indicator of activity and was monitored by video recording. Blood plasma cortisol concentrations were also measured. Fish under blue or white light were significantly less active during the photophase than those under red or no light (P < 0.01). Red light produced similar activity patterns to fish receiving 24 h darkness. Plasma cortisol concentrations were also significantly influenced (P < 0.05) with the fish under white light having the highest plasma cortisol concentration (317 ± 62 ng cm⁻³) compared to fish in the dark treatment (106 ± 36 ng cm⁻³). Thus, the provision of coloured light filters increases activity in juvenile tench and may reduce their intrinsic stress level.     

Genetic effects of the decay of tritium incorporated into Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. I. Lethal effect of 3H-alanine on cells of different ploidy and radiosensitivity]

Lethal effect of 3H-alanine on cells of different ploidy (1n-4n) and radiosensitivity wild type haploid and diploid strains; xrs2 mutant and diploid strains homozygous for this mutation is studied. It is shown that the efficiency of the inactivation per tritium decay depends on ploidy, radiosensitivity and geometric dimension of cells and nuclei. Do for all the studied strains is slightly higher than Do for these strains in case of external beta-irradiation. RBE of beta-ray tritium with respect to beta-ray of 32P is 1.5.     

Seasonal changes in haematology and metabolic resources in the tench

Significant variations in the number of white and red blood cells, haematocrit and haemoglobin were found throughout the year in sexually mature male and female tench Tinca tinca . In general, the lowest values were observed during autumn–winter and the highest during summer, with males exhibiting higher values than females. Plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides were lower during the winter than during the summer–autumn seasons in both sexes. Gonado-somatic and hepato-somatic indices were inversely correlated in female tench throughout the year. Seasonal patterns in liver metabolic resources were very similar for both sexes. For males and females, liver glycogen and proteins increased during the autumn, whereas the liver stored lipid during spring. Dorsal muscle mainly deposited glycogen, whereas lipid was mainly stored in the ventral muscle. Relations between seasonal changes in environmental factors, such as feeding and temperature are discussed.     

Impact of season on haematological and biochemical parameters of crossbred female calves in hot and humid tropics

The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of season on haematological and biochemical parameters of crossbred female calves. Seven crossbred female calves of 6–12 months of age were selected. The study was conducted in three different spells of 30 days each in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature humidity index (THI) was recorded in all the three seasons. Whole blood was collected for estimation of haematological and plasma was used estimation of biochemical parameters. Highest AT and THI was recorded in pre-monsoon while highest RH was recorded in monsoon. The study revealed that season had no effect on haematological parameters such as total leucocyte, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, while total erythrocyte count was significantly lower in monsoon compared to pre and post-monsoon seasons. Glucose and cholesterol were significantly lower in pre-monsoon and monsoon compared to post-monsoon. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher in pre-monsoon compared to monsoon and post-monsoon. No significant difference between seasons in the concentration of total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin globulin ratio was noticed. The results indicate that hot conditions have profound effect on haematological and biochemical parameters of crossbred calves.     

Difference in blood and water diffusion distance in gill lamellae of diploid and triploid tench Tinca tinca (L.)

Image analysis of sagittal sections of gill lamellae of diploid and triploid tench Tinca tinca revealed the blood and water diffusion distance in diploids (2·07 μm) to be significantly higher than that of their triploid siblings (1·46 μm; P < 0·01). Lamellae of diploids compared to triploids were found to be significantly shorter (105·84 v. 132·11 μm) and thicker (18·47 v. 14·21 μm; all at P < 0·05) than those of their triploid siblings but with similar mean sectional areas (1965·44 v. 1910·86 μm²).     

A chemical comparison between the golden and normal coloured strains of the African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The skin and muscle chemical comparisons from normal and golden coloured African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus , of two different size (± 360 and ± 1500 g live mass) groups are reported. The skin of the golden strain is shown to be that of an albino that contains no melanin. Size has a stronger influence than strain on the proximate, fatty acid, amino acid and mineral profiles of both the skin and muscle. For both strains, the larger size class had statistically (P > 0.05) lower muscle moisture and higher total lipid content than the smaller size class. There was no significant difference in the muscle protein content (16.7–17.6% wet mass basis) between and within the strains and size classes. The skin has higher concentrations of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline than the muscle. The major fatty acids in both the skin and muscle were palmitic (> 23%) and oleic (>28%). Of the muscle minerals, potassium was significantly (P > 0.05) higher in the larger size class for both strains. The lack of any tangible difference in the muscle chemical composition of both strains therefore makes the golden catfish strain more attractive for the fresh fish consumer.     

Toxicity of the chlorpyrifos-based pesticide Termifos®: effects on behaviour and biochemical and haematological parameters of African catfish Clarias gariepinus

The present study, conducted in 2012, determined the toxicity of the chlorpyrifos-based pesticide Termifos^® and its effects on behaviour and biochemical and haematological parameters in juvenile African catfish Clarias gariepinus. The 96 h LC₅₀, estimated by probit analysis in a semi-static bioassay experiment, was 0.861 mg l^-1. Fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations, one-fifth LC₅₀ = c. 172 µg l^-1 and one-tenth LC₅₀ = c. 86 µg l^-1, and blood was sampled at 5, 10 and 15 d post-exposure. Fish exposed to 172 µg l^-1 Termifos showed significantly lower red blood cell count and haematocrit values, and both sublethal concentrations significantly lowered the white blood cell count. The haemoglobin level did not change significantly at either dosage. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration values were significantly elevated, compared to the control specimens. Glucose concentration showed an ascending trend and a positive correlation with Termifos concentration, whereas protein concentration declined and was negatively correlated with pesticide concentration. Following exposure to the pesticide, the fish showed remarkable behavioural abnormalities including erratic swimming movements, hyperactivity, faster opercular movement, surfacing to gulp air, secretion of copious mucus and loss of balance. Chlorpyrifos should be applied with caution in the environment, especially near water bodies, to avoid the possible ecotoxicological risks associated with its use.     

Growth and vitality in yellow forms of rainbow trout

The colour genes controlling the palomino and albino phenotype in the spring spawning rainbow trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792)] strain reared at the Department of Salmonid Research Rutki, Poland were found to have strong detrimental pleiotropic effects on growth and vitality. After 5 and 9 months of rearing, the differences in mean body weights in albino, palomino and wild‐coloured trout were statistically highly significant, with albino showing the poorest, palomino as the intermediate and wild‐coloured trout having the highest growth. An identical ranking of colour phenotypes was observed for survival. The influence of colour phenotypes on both traits showed a diminishing tendency with increasing age of fish. It is concluded that alleles controlling palomino and albino colouration cannot be recommended as genetic markers. If reference groups are needed, instead of albino trout, palomino trout should be used since their pleiotropic effects are less pronounced.     

Contribution of the fermenting yeast strain to ethyl carbamate generation in stone fruit spirits

Fermented fruit and beverages frequently contain ethyl carbamate (EC), a potentially carcinogenic compound that can be formed by the reaction of urea with ethanol. Both are produced by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with ethanol as the major end product of hexose fermentation and urea as a by-product in arginine catabolism. In spirit production, EC can also be derived from cyanide introduced by stone fruit. To determine the relative contribution of yeast metabolism to EC production, we genetically engineered a diploid laboratory strain to reduce the arginase activity, thus blocking the pathway to urea production. For this purpose, strains with either a heterozygous CAR1/car1 deletion or a homozygous defect (car1/car1) were constructed. These strains were compared to the parental wild type and to an industrial yeast strain in cherry mash fermentations and spirit production. The strain with the homozygous car1 deletion showed a significant reduction of EC in the final spirits in comparison to the non-engineered controls. Nevertheless, using this strain for fermentation of stoneless cherry mashes did not completely impede EC formation. This indicates another, as yet unidentified, source for this compound.