Seasonal changes in the haematological indices in peripheral blood of chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger L.)

Changes in nine haematological indices in adult female and male chinchilla were investigated over a period of 18 months. All haematological values were in the same range both for females and males, although seasonal fluctuations were more evident in the females. High levels of the red blood cells count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) during the winter months and low levels of these parameters during the summer months were found. The white blood cells count (WBC) and lymphocyte number (L) also decreased in summer, their values increasing during autumn and spring. The haematocrit values (Ht) and mean cell volumes (MCV) are high during the summer and low during the winter.     

Effect in vivo of atrazine on haematology and O2 consumption in fish, Tilapia mossambica.

Studies were conducted on haematological constituents such as Red blood cells (RBC), White blood cells (WBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Mean cell volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Blood volume (BV), Blood water content (BWC) and Whole animal oxygen consumption (WAOC) in the fish exposed to sublethal concentration of atrazine. Significant changes were seen in the constituents of the blood and O2 consumption of fish suggesting the existence of respiratory distress in the fish as a consequence of atrazine toxicity.     

Age, sexual and seasonal differences of haematological values and antibody status to Chlamydophila sp. in feral and racing pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) from an urban environment (Zagreb, Croatia)

The aim of this study was to determine the basic haematological parameters in feral and racing pigeons and to compare these parameters according to age, sex and season in healthy feral pigeons as well as between Chlamydophila-serologically positive and negative feral pigeons. Red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood count (WBC), thrombocyte count and differential WBC, were determined in 366 pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) captured in the City of Zagreb between 1999 and 2002. Of these, 232 feral (179 adult and 53 juvenile, 104 male and 75 female) and 57 racing pigeons (25 male and 32 female) were clinically healthy and bacteriologically and serologically negative, but 77 birds had antibody titres against Chlamydophila sp. Significantly lower values of RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, WBC and thrombocyte (P<0.05) were observed in young compared to adult pigeons, while the differences in MCV and MCH were not significant between age classes. In differential WBC of young pigeons, a significantly higher percentage of heterophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes and a significantly smaller percentage of lymphocytes (P<0.01) was found than in adult pigeons. Significant sex-related differences were seen only in MCV values and in the percentage of lymphocytes (higher in females) and neutrophils (higher in males). PCV, Hb, MCV and MCH increased, while WBC decreased during wintertime (P<0.05). In differential WBC, percentage of heterophils was low in summer and autumn. At the same time, a higher percentage of basophils was found. Low numbers of monocytes were found in summer and low values of eosinophils in winter. In racing pigeons, values of eosinophils and basophils were significantly lower than in feral pigeons. Pigeons which had antibodies against Chlamydophila sp. possessed a higher percentage of monocytes and less lymphocytes than sero-negative animals, while WBC was significant lower than in sero-negative feral pigeons.     

Dietary supplementation with chitin and chitosan on haematology and innate immune response in Epinephelus bruneus against Philasterides dicentrarchi

The present study investigated the effect of 1.0% chitin and chitosan supplementation diets on haematology and immune response in Kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus against protozoan parasite, Philasterides dicentrarchi. The red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin levels, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils significantly increased in kelp grouper fed with chitin or chitosan enriched diets against P. dicentrarchi. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and thrombocytes did not significantly change against pathogen. The phagocytic activity, respiratory burst activity, complement activity, antiprotease activity, and α2-macroglobulin were significantly enhanced in fish fed with 1% chitin and chitosan diet on weeks 2 and 4. The lysozyme activity, total protein, and myeloperoxidase activity significantly increased in fish fed with chitin or chitosan supplementation diet from weeks 1 to 4 against pathogen. The cumulative mortality was found low in fish fed with chitin and chitosan enriched diets than those of control against pathogen. The present study suggests that supplementation of 1.0% chitin or chitosan in diets positively enhances immune response and affords disease resistance in kelp grouper, E. bruneus against P. dicentrarchi infection.     

Changes in the nucleotide triphosphate/haemoglobin and nucleotide triphosphate/red cell ratios of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, subjected to prolonged starvation and bleeding

The nucleotide triphosphate/haemoglobin (NTP/Hb) and nucleotide triphosphate/red cell (NTP/cell) ratios of rainbow trout increased during prolonged starvation. A decline was noted in blood lactic acid concentration. Red cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit also declined. Changes in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were found not to be significant. The NTP/Hb and NTP/cell ratios of both fed and starved trout rose seven days following a 15% reduction in blood volume by cardiac puncture. A rise in whole blood NTP concentration was found only in the bleeding response of fed animals. No significant change was noted in blood lactic acid concentration. The decline in haematocrit was significant only in the starved group. In both groups, however, red cell count and blood haemoglobin concentration fell. MCV rose whereas MCHC declined in all bled animals. Changes in MCH were not significant in either group. Negative correlations were noted between red cell count and both the NTP/Hb and NTP/cell ratios and between haemoglobin concentration and the NTP/Hb ratio. Positive correlations were seen between the two ratios and between red cell count and haemoglobin concentration.     

Effect of dietary supplementation with Suaeda maritima on blood physiology, innate immune response, and disease resistance in olive flounder against Miamiensis avidus

The effect of Suaeda maritima enriched diet on blood physiology, innate immune response, and disease resistance in olive flounder Paralichythys olivaceus against Miamiensis avidus on weeks 1, 2, and 4 was investigated. Feeding with any enriched diet and then challenging with M. avidus significantly increased white blood cells (WBC) on weeks 2 and 4; the red blood cells (RBC) significantly increased with 0.1% and 1.0% enriched diets on week 4. The hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) levels significantly increased when fed with 0.1% and 1.0% supplementation diets on weeks 2 and 4. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) did not significantly vary with any diet and time; however the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly increased with 0.1% and 1.0% supplementation diets on weeks 2 and 4. The leukocytes such as lymphocytes (Lym), monocytes (Mon), neutrophils (Neu) and biochemical parameters such as total protein (TP), glucose (GLU), and calcium (CAL) levels significantly increased in 0.1% and 1.0% supplementation diet fed groups on weeks 2 and 4. The serum lysozyme activity was significantly enhanced in 0.1% and 1.0% supplementation diet fed groups from weeks 1 to 4 when compared to the control (0% herbal extract enriched diet). The scuticocidal activity and respiratory burst activity were significantly enhanced when fish were fed with 0.1% and 1.0% supplementation diets from weeks 2 and 4. The protective effect in terms of cumulative mortality (50% and 40%) was low in groups on being fed with 0.1% and 1.0% supplemented diet. Therefore the present study suggested that 0.1% and 1.0% S. maritime-supplemented diets protect the hematological and biochemical parameters, improving the innate immunity, affording protection disease from M. avidus infection in olive flounder.     

Haematological and serum biochemical reference values of snow trout,Schizothorax labiatus habiting in river Sindh of Indian Himalayan region

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters are a valuable tool in determining the wellbeing status of different fish species and response in close association to various biological and environmental factors, therefore the aim of the present study was to establish sex-wise reference values of haemato-biochemical parameters of S. labiatus. The haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, total erythrocyte count (RBC), total leucocyte count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum biochemical parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were analysed. The results revealed that the haematological parameters, i.e., Hb, RBC, WBC and PCV showed significant (P < 0.05) differences with respect to sex. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher values of Hb content (11.18 g dl⁻¹), RBC count (1.88 × 10⁶ mm⁻³) and PCV (36.15%) were noted in male fish than females throughout the study period, while significantly (P < 0.05) higher WBC count was noted in females (20.38 × 10³ mm⁻³) compared to males. However, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed in erythrocyte indices like MCH, MCHC and MCV between sexes. The serum biochemical parameters, i.e., glucose, cholesterol and urea, also showed significant (P < 0.05) difference between the sexes, but no significant (P > 0.05) difference was noticed in total protein, albumin and globulin. Significantly (P < 0.05) highest values of glucose (116.76 mg dl⁻¹) and urea (9.01 mg dl⁻¹) were recorded in male S. labiatus, while highest value of cholesterol (223.53 mg dl⁻¹) was noted in females. The information generated in the present study gives the basic reference values of haematological and serum biochemical parameters of S. labiatus which will be useful in monitoring the wellbeing status of fish populations. Moreover, the data will also be helpful to ascertain the occurrence of different clinical and subclinical diseases, which may in turn help to boost the overall production of this species.     

The effects of L-carnitine on some hematological parameters in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet

We evaluated the effects of L-carnitine on the hematological characteristics of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. Healthy male Wistar Albino rats were assigned to four equal groups. During the 40 day experiment, group 1 was fed standard rat pellets, group 2 was fed standard rat pellets containing 7.5 % cholesterol powder, group 3 was fed standard rat pellets and water that contained 75 mg/l L-carnitine, and group 4 was fed standard rat pellets that contained 7.5% cholesterol and water that contained 75 mg/l L-carnitine. Blood samples were analyzed for red (RBC) and white (WBC) blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) using an automated cell counter. The RBC count in the group that received the 7.5% cholesterol diet was decreased significantly compared to the other groups. The hematocrit of the cholesterol group was lower than for the L-carnitine + cholesterol and L-carnitine groups. The MCV in the cholesterol group was significantly higher than the control group. The MCH in the cholesterol group was higher than for the other groups. There was no significant difference among the groups with regard to hemoglobin, MCHC, WBCs and leukocyte types. L-carnitine appears to have beneficial effects on erythrocyte stability, erythropoiesis and hyperlipidemia.     

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.     

Haematological parameters in a neotropical fish, Corydoras paleatus (Jenyns, 1842) (Pisces, Callichthyidae), captured from pristine and polluted water

We report normal ranges of haematological indices in healthy Corydoras paleatus from an unpolluted area. Haematological parameters studied include: erythrocyte counts (Er), haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Normal red blood parameters did not change according to maturation stages, sex or seasons. Then, we compared them with those coming from fish captured in a site polluted by sewage. Fish exposed to pollution presented significantly higher values of Er, Ht, Hb, MCH and MCHC than those captured in an unpolluted area. Discriminant analysis showed that Hb is a key parameter to point out differences between populations exposed to different environmental conditions. We suggest that haematological values of C. paleatus, registered during this study, could be used as biomarkers in future works evaluating the incidence of environmental stress on fish as well as pointing out changes in the water quality.     

Haematological studies on the prewintering and wintering frog, Rana esculenta

1. A study of the haematology of the frog Rana esculenta including erythrocyte count (RBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and erythrocyte size as a function of prewinter and winter was made. 2. The RBC count and Hb were significantly higher in contrast to MCV and MCH values during prewinter in both sexes. 3. The surface area to volume ratio was higher in prewinter whereas the length to width ratio (eccentricity) of the cytosome and nucleus was significantly higher during winter in both sexes. 4. Sexual differences in the erythrocyte count, Hb content and the surface area to volume ratio were also observed. 5. The physiological significance of these observations are reported for Rana esculenta.     

Blood of the common indian weaver birds Ploceus philippinus and Ploceus benghalensis (Linnaeus).

The blood contents of two common Indian weaver birds, Ploceus philippinus and Ploceus benghalensis have been studied. Morphology of RBC and WBC, total differential count, the number of RBC and WBC, Hb contents, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, ESR, haemin crystal structures, coagulation and prothrombin time, glucose and cholesterol contents were calculated and compared with the haematological data recorded for other birds and vertebrates. Variation with respect to length and breadth of the erythrocytes and length of the nucleus of the RBC were also discussed. Males have higher RBC number and Hb content in these birds. The mean RBC number and Hb content were also more than in fishes, amphibians and reptiles but little less than in man. The RBC number for males of both the species do not differ significantly but the Hb contents in males and females of P. benghalensis differ significantly but this was not found in P. philippinus. Again the Hb content in male of both the species differ significantly but this was not true in females. Like Passer and Columba large number of polymorphs and lymphocytes were present but only a few basophils was observed in most of the slide preparations. No special type of haemin crystals were observed in any sex of both the species. The coagulation time was more than Passer and Columba but less than in man. There was also no marked difference in both the species with respect to prothrombin time. In both the species blood glucose was more in female than male but there was no marked difference in both the species.     

Acute toxicity effects of ibuprofen on behaviour and haematological parameters of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Indiscriminate discharge of pharmaceutical waste into the aquatic ecosystem may pose serious health challenges to aquatic biota. The effect of acute exposure to ibuprofen was evaluated using changes in behaviour and haematological parameters under static bio-assay method in Clarias gariepinus. Test specimens were exposed to acute concentrations of ibuprofen (0.28, 0.33, 0.38, 0.43 and 0.48 mg l^?1) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h durations respectively. Behavioural and phenotypic changes were observed in surviving fish. There were significant (p < 0.05) concentration and duration-dependent increases in erythrocyte (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), pack cell volume (PCV) and leukocytes (WBC) in treated fish compared to the control. Insignificant decreases (p > 0.05) in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were observed in treated fish compared to the control. Ibuprofen elicited dose and duration- dependent decrease in neutrophil counts with the decreases being significant (p < 0.05) in the higher doses of 0.43 and 0.48 mg l^?1. Ibuprofen did not elicit any significant changes in monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. Changes observed in this study showed that ibuprofen negatively affected the health of the fish and we recommend that discharge of ibuprofen into the aquatic environment should be monitored and controlled.     

Maximal oxygen uptake and erythropoietic responses after training at moderate altitude

Six well-trained male cross-county skiers trained for 7 days at 2700 m above sea level, their accommodation being at 1695 m. Blood samples for haemoglobin concentration [Hb], erythropoietin concentration [EPO] and reticulocyte count were collected before, during and after altitude exposure. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), transferrin-iron saturation, mean red cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), maximal oxygen uptake, maximal achieved ventilation and heart rate were determined pre- and postaltitude exposure. The [EPO] increased significantly from pre-altitude (mean 36 mU.ml-1, SD 5) to maximal altitude values (mean 47 mU.ml-1, SD 3). The [Hb] had increased significantly above pre-altitude values (mean 8.8 mmol.l-1, SD 0.5) on day 2 (mean 9.1 mmol.l-1, SD 0.4) and day 7 (mean 9.4 mmol.l-1, SD 0.4) at altitude and on day 4 postaltitutde (mean 9.2 mmol.l-1, SD 0.4). The reticulocyte counts had increased significantly above pre-altitude values (mean 6%, SD 3%) on day 3 at altitude (mean 12%, SD 8%) and day 4 postaltitude (mean 10%, SD 5%). The RBC counts had increased on the 4th postaltitude day. The transferrin-iron saturation had decreased below pre-altitude values (mean 23%, SD 4%) on day 4 postaltitude (mean 14%, SD 5%) and had increased on day 11 postaltitude (mean 22%, SD 7%). There were no significant changes in MCV, MCHC, PCV, maximal oxygen uptake and maximal achieved ventilation, and heart rate pre- to postaltitude. These observations demonstrated an erythropoietic response to the altitude training which was not sufficient to increase the postaltitude maximal oxygen uptake.     

Effect of high fluoride intake on haematological aspects of the mouse.

The effect of feeding adult Swiss albino mice of both sexes a diet supplemented with 0, 125, 250 and 500 parts/10(6) of fluoride for four and eight week periods on haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was investigated. Values of the three parameters were significantly lowered at both periods in the treated groups as compared with the controls. The extent of reduction in these values was, in general, dependent on the dose of supplemented dietary fluoride. Clinical symptoms were not observed before the end of the sixth week. However, appearance of the symptoms did not change the trend of variations in Hb, PCV and MCHC values. The reduced values could be the result of lowered haemoglobin synthesis and erythropoiesis. It was suggested that these haematological indices could serve to detect preclinical effects of high fluoride intake with an added dose of as low as 125 parts/10(6), or even less, for a period of four weeks or probably earlier.     

Kalopanax pictus as feed additive controls bacterial and parasitic infections in kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus

Feeding kelp grouper, Epinephelus bruneus (26.1 ± 1.4), with 0%, 0.1%, 1.0%, and 2.0% Kalopanax pictus extract-supplementation diets, for 30 days reduced mortality on being challenged intraperitoneally 100 μl with bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus (2.1 × 10(7) cfu ml(-1)) and ciliate parasite Philasterides dicentrarchi (2.3 × 10(7) ciliates ml(-1)). The red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin, haematocrit, lymphocytes, and monocytes levels significantly increased in kelp grouper fed with all doses of K. pictus-supplementation diets and challenged with bacterium and parasite when compared to control. However, the levels of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), neutrophils, and thrombocytes did not significantly. The phagocytic activity, complement activity, and antiprotease activity did not significantly change in kelp grouper fed with 0.1% K. pictus-supplementation diets and challenged with bacterium and parasite. The respiratory activity, lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity, total protein level, and myeloperoxidase levels significantly increased in kelp grouper fed with all the doses of K. pictus-supplementation diet and challenged with bacterium and parasite. However, α2-macroglobulin level significantly increased with 1.0% diet, but not with 0.1% and 2.0% diets. Therefore this study suggests that 1.0% and 2.0% K. pictus-supplementation diets positively protected and enhanced the immune system in kelp grouper E. bruneus against V. alginolyticus and P. dicentrarchi infection.     

The effect of exercise and zinc supplement on the hematological parameters in rats

This study evaluates the consequences of a session of intensive short-duration exercise and Zn supplementation on different hematological variables. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=10): the first nonsupplemented, maintained at rest (R); the second nonsupplemented, undergoing exercise (E); the third supplemented with Zn, kept at rest (ZnR); and the fourth supplemented with Zn, undergoing exercise (ZnE). Zinc supplements (200 ppm) were given in drinking water. The exercise consisted of a single session of swimming until exhaustion. At rest, RBC, Hb, and Hto fell (p<0.05), whereas red cell indices, MCV, and MCH rose (p<0.05) in +ZnR compared with R; MCHC remained unchanged (ZnR vs R). After exercise, RBC, Hb, and Hto increased significantly in E and in ZnE compared with R and ZnR, respectively. In addition, RBC and Hb were lower (p<0.01) in ZnE compared with E; however, MCV and MCH were higher (p<0.05) in the group ZnE vs E. With respect to white blood cells—leukocytes (WBC), limphocytes (LYMPH), and neutrophiles (NEUT)—no significant differences were observed between groups at rest (ZnR vs R). WBC and LYMPH increased significantly in E with respect to the rest situation (E vs R), but this did not happen in supplemented animals (ZnE vs ZnR). Level of pH decreased after exercise both in E and in ZnE, but the fall was lower in the latter. We believe that a single session of swimming until exhaustion leads to an increase in RBC, Hb, and Hto without causing changes in MCV, MCH, and MCHC. On the other hand, Zn supplementation leads to an increase of MCV and MCH, although they remain within normal levels. Furthermore, this supplementation produces lower metabolic acidoses after exercise that leads to leukocyte stability.     

The impact of dietary protein intake on serum biochemical and haematological profiles in vervet monkeys

This study evaluated the influence of Westernised and traditional African diets on biochemical and haematological profiles in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Twelve adult male vervet monkeys bred at the Medical Research Council, all over 4 years of age and weighing more than 5 kg each, were divided into two groups of six individuals. These monkeys were raised on a standard in-house diet post-weaning, before they were fed for 8 weeks on diets containing milk solids (17.2%) or maize + legume (17.4%), as sources of high crude protein (+/- 3.5 g/kg). High protein diets had no significant effect on serum biochemical indices such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations (P > 0.10). However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations were significantly higher during week 8 (P < 0.05) for the maize + legume protein group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP; P < 0.07), total protein (P < 0.0001), albumin (P < 0.02), and bilirubin (P < 0.003) were elevated in the milk solids group, while glucose levels were also significantly higher for the milk solids group (P < 0.05) between weeks 2 and 6. Elevated protein intake had no significant effect on haematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBC), platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts, haemoglobin levels and monocyte and neutrophil concentrations (P > 0.10). In contrast, serum lymphocyte levels were significantly raised in the maize + legume protein group (P = 0.03), whereas values for the haematocrit (P < 0.002), mean cell volume (MCV; P < 0.03) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC; P < 0.0001) were higher in the monkeys that were fed the milk solids. This investigation showed that the type of dietary protein that is consumed may well affect certain biochemical and haematological indices in vervet monkeys. Compared to the group that were given the traditional African food regime, the animals on the Western-type milk solids diet showed significant elevations in a number of important biological indicators. However, longer-term studies should be completed in this area if we are to make firmer conclusions regarding the link between the nature of dietary proteins that are consumed and its effect on metabolism.     

Effect of dietary vitamin E on growth, muscle composition, hematological and immunological parameters of sub-yearling beluga Huso huso L

This study was designed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E on growth, some hematological and immunological parameters and muscle proximate analysis of beluga Huso huso. Experimental fish were fed practical diets supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg Dl-all-rac-α-tocopherol acetate kg diet(-1) for 8 weeks. 360 fish (mean initial weight 49.7 ± 0.1 g) were distributed into eighteen 785 L circular concrete tanks and each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish. At the end of experiment (8 weeks), growth parameters such as final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), total length (TL), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), muscle composition, and some physiological indicators, including hematological and immunological parameters, such as hematocrit (Hct), total leukocyte count (WBC), lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil and monocyte, cortisol, glucose, erythrocyte fragility, lysozyme and complement activity were determined. FW, WG, SGR, PER and CF in fish fed unsupplemented vitamin E were significantly lower than those fish fed the other five diets. However FW and PER in fish fed control diet had not significant differences with fish fed at 400 mg kg(-1). FCR were significantly higher in fish fed control diet than other groups. TL and survival rate had no significant differences among fish groups. HSI in fish fed 0 and 25 mg vitamin E kg diet(-1) were significantly lower than the other treatments. Muscle composition analysis showed no significant differences among the treatments. Erythrocyte fragility, Hct, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil and monocyte, lysozyme and complement activities were not significant. Also cortisol and glucose concentrations had not significant differences between treatments. Results indicated that vitamin E had no significantly effect on muscle proximate analysis, hematological and immunological parameters of sub-yearling beluga but has a direct effect on growth performance of beluga sturgeon and this vitamin is an essential nutrient required for normal growth in this species.     

Hematological responses to thermal acclimation in a cold water squaliform (Heterodontus francisci girard)

Summary The hematological modifications occurring as a result of acclimation to increased temperature in the cold water horn shark,Heterodontus francisci, were evaluated. Sharks were maintained under constant conditions except for temperature (15°C and 25°C) in a closed marine system. The total red blood cell (RBC) number decreased in the 25°C sharks. In contrast, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) significantly increased at 25°C compared to the control animals. RBC size was increased at 25°C, but the surface area/mm³ whole blood was reduced. Folic acid levels were not different between the groups. Vitamin B₁₂ levels decreased and testosterone increased at 25°C. Blood pH, number of erythroblasts, number of white blood cells (WBC) and WBC differential analyses were essentially unchanged at the two temperatures, except that the relative neutrophil number was increased. The major hematological changes occur in the erythrocytes and appear to be sequential in nature with an initial loss of RBC followed by increased hemoglobin synthesis and increased RBC size, but lack of recovery of RBC numbers.Abbreviations Hb hemoglobin - Hct hematocrit - MCH(C) mean corpuscular hemoglobin (concentration) - MCV mean corpuscular volume - RBC red blood cells - WBC white blood cells Contribution Number 359, Department of Biology