Hematology and Blood Chemistry Reference Intervals for Yellow Perch, (Perca
flavescens) Raised in Recirculation Systems
T.C. Hrubec1* and S.A. Smith2
1 Department of Biomedical Sciences
E. Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Blacksburg, VA 24060
2 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061
* Corresponding author, current address:
DBSP Phase II (0442)
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
E-mail:
Keywords: Yellow perch, Perca, hematology, blood chemistry, reference values,
plasma biochemistry
Footnote
International Journal of Recirculating Aquaculture 5 (2004) 29-42. All
Rights Reserved
© Copyright 2004 by Virginia Tech and Virginia Sea Grant, Blacksburg, VA
USA
ABSTRACT
Determination of hematology and blood plasma biochemistry values is routinely
used to assess the health of wild and domestic animals. Yellow perch (Perca
flavescens) culture is a growing segment of the U.S. aquaculture industry and
tools are needed to monitor the health status of these fish. This paper reports
reference values for complete hematological and biochemistry profiles of normal
healthy yellow perch, raised in recirculation culture conditions. The following
hematologic values were determined: packed cell volume, plasma protein, erythrocyte,
leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and thrombocyte numbers. A description
of leukocyte morphology is presented. Additionally, the following plasma biochemical
values were determined: total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, total
bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, sodium, potassium,
chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, glucose, and cholesterol. Reference
values for a specific population of fish need to be determined prior to utilizing
diagnostic blood samples from individuals. Developing diagnostic hematology
for fishes can enhance yellow perch culture by providing a means for the early
detection and identification of infectious disease and of sub-lethal conditions
that may affect production performance.
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