Determination of some hematological and biochemical parameters at different ages of reared Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

The analysis of blood parameters is a useful indicator in assessing the physiological conditions of aquatic animals in response to stress, pollutants, nutrition, and also physiological and ecological changes. In this study, some hematological parameters of Acipenser persicus in three age classes including cultured fingerlings, juveniles and broodstocks were studied in a six-month period (spring and summer 2012). The counts of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hematocrit (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), MCV, MCH, MCHC, electrolyte and non-electrolyte biochemical parameters, and also differential leucocyte count were measured in different age classes. For this reason, 30 Persian sturgeon(10 fingerlings, 10 juveniles, 5 males and 5 females) were used. Statistical results showed significant differences in Hb, RBC, MCV, MCHC, WBC, lymphocyte (%), neutrophil (%) and eosinophil (%) in different age classes of this species (P<0.05). There were significant differences in non-electrolyte biochemical parameters such as glucose, albumin, total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, osmolality and total lipid at different ages (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in electrolyte biochemical parameters including sodium and chloride ions at different age classes and also at females and males. It was also true for calcium and potassium ions at different ages (P<0.05). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the hematological and biochemical parameters are affected by age and sex of fish although the effects of environmental and nutritional parameters are inevitable.