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ABSTRACT Haematological and plasma parameters are used in veterinary medicine as a diagnostic tool, allowing for the early detection of potential health and welfare issues. For the implementation of monitoring strategies, reference intervals (RIs) are needed to know when deviations in those parameters become clinically relevant. Here, haematological and plasma biochemical RIs of Norwegian Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar Linnaeus) are presented for 29 biomarkers. Two subgroups were defined from the reference population based on water type, referred to as pre‐adult (freshwater, 166.8 ± 118.4 g, N = 979) and adult (seawater, 2655 ± 2883 g, N = 4941), collected at 93 fish farms along the Norwegian coast. While the influence of various pre‐analytical variables on RIs is well documented, aquaculture practitioners cannot always control those variables in the field. Here, RIs were calculated from blood samples collected based on local pre‐analytical practices and then further processed under standardised conditions (analytical phase). RIs are therefore considered highly relevant for the application in the field. Finally, when taking blood samples in the field, it is advised to centrifuge whole blood as soon as possible, while plasma parameters investigated were stable for 168 h at 4°C or 72 h at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the optimal dietary copper (Cu) levels and their effects on growth performance, body composition, and antioxidant capacity in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). A total of 360 fish (initial average weight (1.67 ± 0.01 g) and initial average length (2.5 ± 0.2 cm)) were randomly assigned to 18 tanks, each containing 20 fish and six dietary Cu concentrations: 2.13 (control), 3.00, 3.66, 4.58, 4.64, and 5.72 mg/kg. The results indicated that fish receiving 3.00 mg/kg of Cu exhibited the best final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR), with a significantly reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR). While body composition (moisture, protein, lipid, and ash) remained consistent across groups, plasma total protein (TP) levels increased with Cu supplementation. Elevated triglycerides (TG) and albumin (ALB) were noted at 4.64 and 5.72 mg/kg, respectively, while glucose (GLU) levels decreased with an increase in dietary Cu. Antioxidant capacity, assessed via hepatic glutathione (GSH) and the activities of catalase (CAT), and showed significant improvements at 3.00 and 3.66 mg/kg Cu, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed the highest activity at a dietary Cu level of 5.72 mg/kg. Additionally, the expressions of tgf-β and tnf-α genes were significantly upregulated at a dietary Cu level of 5.72 mg/kg, while il-8 and il-10 genes were upregulated at dietary 3.66 mg/kg. The expression of nrf2 was significantly upregulated in response to a dietary Cu level of 3.66 mg/kg compared to the control group, and the expression of the keap1 gene was significantly upregulated in the fish fed with 5.72 mg/kg of dietary Cu. The results indicated that appropriate dietary supplementation could promote the growth performance and improve the antioxidant status the immunity of largemouth bass, and the optimal Cu requirement for FCR and SGR were approximately 3.10 mg/kg and 3.00 mg/kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The experiment was carried out to study the effects of potassium magnesium sulfate (PMS) on sow performance, plasma biochemical indicators, antioxidant capacity and immune function in late pregnancy.【Method】By using simple factor design of the experiment, sixty sows (Landrace×Yorkshire) with 3-4 parity, good health and similar expected delivery in the third trimester of pregnancy (85th day of pregnancy) were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 replicates in each group and 1 sow in each replicate). The experimental groups during gestation were supplemented with PMS 0 (CK), 5, 10 and 15 g/d for each sow, respectively. After delivery, all sows during lactation were fed the same commercial lactation feed. The experiment ended on the 18th day of lactation.【Result】(1) Supplemental PMS had no significant effects on litter size, healthy litter size, back fat thickness, labor, body weight, feed intake in sows during lactation, and newborn weight of piglets, number of weaned piglets and number of deaths of lactating piglets. Compared with the control group, the fecal score of sows during late pregnancy after PMS supplementation showed a linear increase (Plinear < 0.05) and 10 g/d group had significant effects (PANOVA < 0.05); After supplementation with PMS, it showed a linear increase (Plinear < 0.05) in newborn litter weight, litter weight of weaned piglets, average litter gain of lactating piglets and daily gain of lactating piglets (PANOVA < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the newborn litter weight, litter weight of weaned piglets, average litter gain of lactating piglets and daily gain of lactating piglets in the 10 g/d group were increased by 16.27%, 24.42%, 35.14% and 31.64%. Except for newborn litter weight, all other indicators showed quadratic effect (PQuadratic < 0.05) and significant differences were found between groups (PANOVA < 0.05); (2) It showed a linear increase in the contents of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and insulin (INS) in plasma of sows supplemented with PMS (Plinear < 0.05). The contents of TG, CHO, LDL and INS in the 10 g/d group increased by 50.00%, 28.35%, 25.00% and 31.98% compared with the control group; TG and LDL had a quadratic effect (PQuadratic < 0.05). (3) Linear changes were found in contents of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (Plinear < 0.05) in the plasma of sows after supplementation with PMS, and they were increased by 17.10%, 20.34%, 8.00% and 15.04% in the 10 g/d group, compared with the control group. (4) It showed a linear increase (PANOVA < 0.05) in fat content of colostrum of sow with PMS supplementation (Plinear < 0.05), with significant increase. Non-fat milk solids, lactose and protein were linearly increased (Plinear < 0.05) and had an increasing trend (0.05 < PANOVA < 0.1). The fat content of colostrum supplemented with 10 g/d were increased by 51.42% compared with the control group.【Conclusion】PMS supplementation in late preganancy can significantly improve the fecal scores of sows, relieve sow constipation, and improve sow performance and body health, with 10 g/d supplementation as the optimal dose.

【Objective】The experiment was carried out to study the effects of potassium magnesium sulfate (PMS) on sow performance, plasma biochemical indicators, antioxidant capacity and immune function in late pregnancy. 【Method】By using simple factor design of the experiment, sixty sows (Landrace×Yorkshire) with 3-4 parity, good health and similar expected delivery in the third trimester of pregnancy (85th day of pregnancy) were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 replicates in each group and 1 sow in each replicate). The experimental groups during gestation were supplemented with PMS 0 (CK), 5, 10 and 15 g/d for each sow, respectively. After delivery, all sows during lactation were fed the same commercial lactation feed. The experiment ended on the 18th day of lactation.【Result】(1) Supplemental PMS had no significant effects on litter size, healthy litter size, back fat thickness, labor, body weight, feed intake in sows during lactation, and newborn weight of piglets, number of weaned piglets and number of deaths of lactating piglets. Compared with the control group, the fecal score of sows during late pregnancy after PMS supplementation showed a linear increase (Plinear＜ 0.05) and 10 g/d group had significant effects (PANOVA＜ 0.05); After supplementation with PMS, it showed a linear increase (Plinear＜ 0.05) in newborn litter weight, litter weight of weaned piglets, average litter gain of lactating piglets and daily gain of lactating piglets (PANOVA ＜ 0.05). Compared with the control group, the newborn litter weight, litter weight of weaned piglets, average litter gain of lactating piglets and daily gain of lactating piglets in the 10 g/d group were increased by 16.27%, 24.42%, 35.14% and 31.64%. Except for newborn litter weight, all other indicators showed quadratic effect (PQuadratic ＜ 0.05) and significant differences were found between groups (PANOVA ＜ 0.05) ; (2) It showed a linear increase in the contents of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and insulin (INS) in plasma of sows supplemented with PMS (Plinear＜ 0.05). The contents of TG, CHO, LDL and INS in the 10 g/d group increased by 50.00%, 28.35%, 25.00% and 31.98% compared with the control group; TG and LDL had a quadratic effect (PQuadratic ＜ 0.05). (3) Linear changes were found in contents of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (Plinear＜ 0.05) in the plasma of sows after supplementation with PMS, and they were increased by 17.10%, 20.34%, 8.00% and 15.04% in the 10 g/d group, compared with the control group. (4) It showed a linear increase (PANOVA ＜ 0.05) in fat content of colostrum of sow with PMS supplementation (Plinear＜ 0.05), with significant increase. Non-fat milk solids, lactose and protein were linearly increased (Plinear＜ 0.05) and had an increasing trend (0.05 ＜ PANOVA ＜ 0.1). The fat content of colostrum supplemented with 10 g/d were increased by 51.42% compared with the control group. 【Conclusion】 PMS supplementation in late preganancy can significantly improve the fecal scores of sows, relieve sow constipation, and improve sow performance and body health, with 10 g/d supplementation as the optimal dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxolinic acid (OA), a broad-spectrum quinolone antibiotic that plays a crucial role in human medicine, is often used in aquaculture as a second-line treatment at 12 mg/kg biomass/day continuously for seven days. The objective of this study was to assess its effectiveness against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in terms of progression and healing of wounds, clinical biochemistry and histopathological changes upon challenge and treatment. To evaluate the efficacy, the juveniles were intramuscularly challenged with A. hydrophila at a sublethal dose of 1.93×106 cells/fish, followed by the administration of OA-supplemented feed at 2% body weight daily for seven days. OA treatment yielded better consequences in terms of increased feed intake and biomass and decreased plasma biochemical parameters, histopathological changes and improved recovery from A. hydrophila infection compared to the untreated group. Wounds of the OA-treated group healed at a faster rate, with complete healing within 12 days post-injection, while the wounds of the untreated group took longer to heal. Though the efficacy of OA against A. hydrophila infection in tilapia was established in this study, it is important to exercise caution regarding its application in aquaculture due to its classification as a critically important medicine for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete blood counts (n=566) and serum biochemistry (n=426) were assessed in seven coastal seabirds species that underwent rehabilitation along the southeastern and southern coast of Brazil from Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro State (22°56′16.44″S, 42°18′24.16″W) to Laguna, Santa Catarina State (28°29′43″S, 48°45′39.2″W), from August 2016 to August 2020. Blood samples were collected from four species of Charadriiformes, including Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus, n=136), South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea, n=25), Cabot's Tern (Thalasseus acuflavidus, n=17), and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo, n=14) as well as three species of Suliformes, the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster, n=212), Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens, n=104), and Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum, n=58). The individuals were sampled as part of the protocol required before their release into the wild when considered healthy. This work aimed to establish the normal hematologic and biochemical reference values of those seabird species and, when possible, to analyze variations among age class and sex and to compare those with the available data in the literature. In addition, we provide the first baseline data for the South American Tern, Cabot's Tern, and Neotropic Cormorant. Baseline hematologic data are crucial for assessing health status of individuals and to support management and conservation actions, including release of seabirds into the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the optimal dietary copper (Cu) levels and their effects on growth performance, body composition, and antioxidant capacity in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). A total of 360 fish (initial average weight (1.67 ± 0.01 g) and initial average length (2.5 ± 0.2 cm)) were randomly assigned to 18 tanks, each containing 20 fish and six dietary Cu concentrations: 2.13 (control), 3.00, 3.66, 4.58, 4.64, and 5.72 mg/kg. The results indicated that fish receiving 3.00 mg/kg of Cu exhibited the best final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR), with a significantly reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR). While body composition (moisture, protein, lipid, and ash) remained consistent across groups, plasma total protein (TP) levels increased with Cu supplementation. Elevated triglycerides (TG) and albumin (ALB) were noted at 4.64 and 5.72 mg/kg, respectively, while glucose (GLU) levels decreased with an increase in dietary Cu. Antioxidant capacity, assessed via hepatic glutathione (GSH) and the activities of catalase (CAT), and showed significant improvements at 3.00 and 3.66 mg/kg Cu, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed the highest activity at a dietary Cu level of 5.72 mg/kg. Additionally, the expressions of tgf-β and tnf-α genes were significantly upregulated at a dietary Cu level of 5.72 mg/kg, while il-8 and il-10 genes were upregulated at dietary 3.66 mg/kg. The expression of nrf2 was significantly upregulated in response to a dietary Cu level of 3.66 mg/kg compared to the control group, and the expression of the keap1 gene was significantly upregulated in the fish fed with 5.72 mg/kg of dietary Cu. The results indicated that appropriate dietary supplementation could promote the growth performance and improve the antioxidant status the immunity of largemouth bass, and the optimal Cu requirement for FCR and SGR were approximately 3.10 mg/kg and 3.00 mg/kg, respectively.

Cuchia eel (Monopterus cuchia) is among the most sought-after freshwater fish, owing to its exceptional nutritional profile and high consumer demand. The current research aimed to establish baseline data by comparing the proximate composition, hematological, and plasma biochemical indices of Cuchia eel populations across six different geographical locations in Bangladesh: Bogra, Haluaghat, Jamalpur, Moktagacha, Sylhet, and Tangail. By examining these parameters, we aim to gain valuable insights into the nutritional benefits, physiological responses, and potential adaptations of this species to varying environments. The statistical analysis revealed no significant (P > 0.05) variances in the whole-body proximate composition of the fish captured from distinct areas. However, it was observed that different geographical regions had remarkable impacts on the variations of the majority of the hematological parameters, except for some cases. Additionally, there was a notable (P

Sturgeon farming is a rapidly developing aquaculture sector which requires high-quality feeds. As an ingredient of animal feeds, fishmeal is often replaced with cheaper plant-based protein sources, such as rapeseed cake meal, a by-product of canola oil pressing. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of diets containing various levels of rapeseed cake meal on the juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) growth, hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as muscle composition. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted on fish with average body weight of 216.2 ± 45.7 g. Fish were fed diets were 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of fish meal and soybean meal were replaced with rapeseed meal (groups A, B, C, and D, respectively). Additionally in E diet (30% rapeseed meal) effects of phytase addition RENOZYME® HiPhos 20000 in concentration 2000 IU was tested. During the experiment, no mortalities were observed in each of the studied groups. Similar values of morphometric and breeding parameters were observed in groups A, B, C, D and E. No hematological effects of rapeseed diets occurred, except for significantly lower erythroblast levels in groups B, C, D, and E compared to A. Group B showed a higher plasma glucose concentration compared to the other groups. ALT activity in groups D and E were lower than in groups A, B, and C. The muscles of individuals from group B showed the highest dry matter and fat content, while the highest protein content occurred in group C. Despite significant differences in the values of some parameters, the obtained results indicate that the replacement of 10–30% of fishmeal with rapeseed meal in the feed for the juvenile Siberian sturgeon did not compromise fish survivability, growth performance, health, or body composition, although phytase addition did not improve the effects of administering rapeseed-containing feed.

Atlantic tarpon Megalops atlanticus are highly migratory sportfish that support recreational fisheries throughout their range. In US waters, juveniles can be found in coastal and estuarine habitats along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic seaboard, with temperature limiting their northern latitudinal distribution. Juveniles may overwinter in these areas during the first several years of life. Low temperatures are known to cause mortality in adults, but the challenges of temperature are less understood for juveniles. Furthermore, salinity, which can change dramatically in these habitats, may have a synergistic effect with temperature. To examine the physiological effects of temperature and salinity on juvenile tarpon, wild fish were acclimated to a range of conditions that potentially occur in the northern range of their estuarine habitats. The haematology of juvenile tarpon was examined in two salinity (≤2 and ≥30 ppt) and temperature (15 and 25°C) treatments, followed by a low‐temperature tolerance test. After 2 weeks in treatment conditions, blood samples were analysed for haematocrit, pH, red blood cell concentration, haemoglobin content and plasma osmolality. Increased plasma osmolality was observed in fish at low temperature (15°C compared to 25°C) and at high salinity (≥30 ppt compared to ≤2 ppt). Blood pH was increased at 15°C compared to 25°C, with the highest pH at 15°C and low salinity. Haemoglobin, haematocrit and red blood cell concentration were higher at 25°C than 15°C, with haemoglobin lowest at 15°C and low salinity. For the low‐temperature tolerance test, all fish were acclimated to 15°C for 2 weeks, then transferred to separate tanks where temperature was gradually decreased at 0.9 ± 0.1°C/h until fish lost equilibrium. Fish at low salinity lost equilibrium more rapidly (1 ppt, 12.65 ± 0.46°C) than fish at high salinity (30 ppt, 11.26 ± 0.14°C). The results indicate juvenile tarpon are susceptible to low temperature, which is exacerbated by low salinity, findings useful in the assessment of juvenile tarpon overwintering habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessments of health variables in wild animal populations have evolved into important tools for characterizing spatiotemporal population trends and fitness, effects of stressors, diseases, and ecosystem health. Blood as a sample matrix can be obtained fairly non-invasively in the field, with preservation and sample processing techniques that allow for readily available routine and advanced diagnostic testing of blood. For wild-caught hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) foraging in southeastern Florida, USA, the objectives of this study were to (1) establish reference intervals for hematological and 24 plasma biochemical analytes, (2) determine length-and body condition-specific relationships with blood analytes, and (3) determine how water temperature influenced plasma biochemical analytes. Reference intervals were established for clinically normal juvenile (n = 26) and subadult (n = 39) hawksbills, with descriptive data reported for adult turtles (n = 3). Although subadults (mainly captured at Palm Beach County) were heavier and larger with greater body depth, juveniles (mainly captured at Monroe County) had a higher body condition index. Positive length-specific correlations were identified for packed cell volume, eosinophils, aspartate aminotransferase, phosphorus, cholesterol, glutamate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin, and globulins, with negative correlations including alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, calcium, calcium to phosphorus ratio, and glucose. Subadults had less frequent morphological features of red blood cell regeneration compared to juveniles. These findings provide insight into life-stage class differences regarding hematopoiesis, antigenic stimulation, somatic growth, dietary shifts, nutritional status, osmoregulation, metabolism, physical activity or stress levels, and possible habitat differences. Life-stage class is the likely driver for the observed blood analyte differences, in addition to influences from water temperature. The data herein offer baseline information for a snapshot in time for critically endangered hawksbills inhabiting the Florida reef system and for answering individual-and population-relevant questions of relevance to conservation and population management.

Birds of prey frequently feature in reintroductions and the hacking technique is typically used. Hacking involves removing large nestlings from donor populations, transferring them to captivity, feeding them ad libitum. Potentially, via the hacking method, the stress of captivity and disruption of parental feeding may be detrimental. Alternatively, the provision of ad libitum food may be advantageous. Although hacking has underpinned reintroduction project successes there has been no research on how the method may affect the health and nutritional status of translocated birds during captivity. We compared blood chemistry data from 55 young White‐tailed Eagles, translocated from Norway as part of the species' reintroduction to Scotland, from sampling soon after arriving in captivity and again (≈42 days later) before their release. Numerous significant differences between the first and second samples were found, but no significant interactions showed that the sexes responded similarly to captivity. According to hematological and biochemical metrics, individuals showed several changes during captivity, including in red blood cell parameters, plasma proteins, and white cellular parameters related to the immune system, that indicated improved health status. Captivity with ad libitum food was associated with decreased urea and uric acid values: high values can indicate nutritional stress. Urea values became more normally distributed before release, indicating that ad libitum food had reduced nutritional differences between early nestlings in the season and later ones. Despite plentiful food, both sexes lost body mass before release, suggesting an inherent physiological mechanism to improve flight performance in fledglings. We conclude that hacking improved the health and nutritional status of released eagles which is likely to enable birds to cope with greater costs of exploratory behavior which they may require in reintroduction projects. In this context, we note the absence of survival differences between hacked and wild raptors in previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood parameter assessments are sensitive diagnostic tools used to monitor the health status of fish and consequently the aquatic environment where the fish are inhabited. The culturing of Oreochromis aureus is becoming popular in Nigeria and there is a need for baseline parameters for the species. This study therefore examined the haematological and biochemical profiles of cultured and wild Oreochromis aureus from Lake Alau in Northeast Nigeria. Twenty (20) live specimens each of cultured and wild O. aureus (349.50 ± 42.52 g) were used for the study. Blood samples were taken via the caudal peduncle for haematological and serum biochemical analysis using standard techniques. Water samples from Oreochromis aureus culture tank and Lake Alau were collected in triplicate to monitor critical water parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate, nitrite and temperature. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-test and Pearson's correlation. All statistical significance was tested at 5% significance level. Higher white blood cells count, increased packed cell volume with lower haemoglobin and platelet counts were observed in wild O. aureus. Wild O. aureus also showed elevated albumin levels; however, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were higher in cultured O. aureus. The results showed marginal variations (p > 0.05) in haematological constituents between the two groups but marked difference (p < 0.05) in biochemical analytes tested. The differences in the habitats of O. aureus caused significant biochemical changes with no significant changes in haematological indices. Further studies on the haematological and plasma biochemical changes in this species of fish under unusual environmental stress will aid understanding of the physiological response of the blue tilapia to environmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper, like iron and zinc, is one of the most essential trace elements for organisms. Different forms of copper have distinctive and specific uses. For example, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NP) are widely used in the world as a nanomaterial. Copper sulphate (CuSO4) is worldwide used as a fungicide in agriculture and as an algaecide in aquaculture. Nowadays, the increasing use of these chemicals raises concerns regarding their potential effects on the health of aquatic organisms and ecological risks. Therefore, in the present research, toxic effects of CuSO4 and CuO-NP, alone and in combination, were evaluated using biochemical markers (plasma biochemical and gill and liver oxidative stress) in freshwater fish, Oreochromis niloticus. The fish were exposed to 0.05 mg/L CuSO4, CuO-NP, and CuSO4+CuO-NP for 4 and 21 days. Especially at 21 days, CuSO4 and CuO-NP, alone and combined, generally increased plasma alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, cortisol, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and tissue malondialdehyde while they decreased plasma total protein, and tissue superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione. Consequently, our results illustrate that CuSO4 and CuO-NP have similar toxic effects in fish, however, co-exposure of CuO-NP and CuSO4 is more toxic than effects of these chemicals alone.

Abstract Birds of prey frequently feature in reintroductions and the hacking technique is typically used. Hacking involves removing large nestlings from donor populations, transferring them to captivity, feeding them ad libitum. Potentially, via the hacking method, the stress of captivity and disruption of parental feeding may be detrimental. Alternatively, the provision of ad libitum food may be advantageous. Although hacking has underpinned reintroduction project successes there has been no research on how the method may affect the health and nutritional status of translocated birds during captivity. We compared blood chemistry data from 55 young White‐tailed Eagles, translocated from Norway as part of the species' reintroduction to Scotland, from sampling soon after arriving in captivity and again (≈42 days later) before their release. Numerous significant differences between the first and second samples were found, but no significant interactions showed that the sexes responded similarly to captivity. According to hematological and biochemical metrics, individuals showed several changes during captivity, including in red blood cell parameters, plasma proteins, and white cellular parameters related to the immune system, that indicated improved health status. Captivity with ad libitum food was associated with decreased urea and uric acid values: high values can indicate nutritional stress. Urea values became more normally distributed before release, indicating that ad libitum food had reduced nutritional differences between early nestlings in the season and later ones. Despite plentiful food, both sexes lost body mass before release, suggesting an inherent physiological mechanism to improve flight performance in fledglings. We conclude that hacking improved the health and nutritional status of released eagles which is likely to enable birds to cope with greater costs of exploratory behavior which they may require in reintroduction projects. In this context, we note the absence of survival differences between hacked and wild raptors in previous research.

Simple Summary: Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are small, nocturnal, arboreal marsupials native to New Guinea and Australia, and are increasingly popular pets in Taiwan and the United States. Symptoms of common sugar glider diseases are often non-specific; therefore, blood tests, including hematology and plasma biochemistry, are important diagnostic tools for veterinarians. However, previous studies on this topic are rare. The goal of this study was to establish reference values of the aforementioned blood tests for pet sugar gliders. A total of 42 healthy pet sugar gliders were recruited, and hematological and plasma biochemical reference values were calculated. The influence of factors including age, gender, season and raising management were also analyzed. The information presented in this study can be beneficial for the future veterinary care of sugar gliders. Hematological and plasma biochemical examination are crucial in the veterinary care of sugar gliders, which are increasingly popular in Taiwan and the United States. However, published research of the species' reference interval and related influencing factors were rare. The objectives of this study were to establish the hematological and plasma biochemical reference values for captive sugar gliders in Taiwan and to evaluate the influence of factors including age, gender, neuter status, location, season, diet, caging arrangement, and other pets in the household. A total of 42 clinically healthy pet sugar gliders were recruited. Morphometrical measurements and physiological data were collected, and hematological and plasma biochemical examinations were performed. The reference value of each index was calculated using Reference Value Advisor (RVA) software, following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines. Normality of data distribution was tested, and data transformation was conducted. The parametric method and robust method were used to determine reference limits. Univariate analysis was performed, and multiple regression models were built for each hematological and plasma biochemical parameter. Red blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels were higher in males, compared to females, while they were lower in the neutered group, compared to the intact group. Relative neutrophil counts were higher in elder sugar gliders, while relative lymphocyte counts were lower. Aspartate transaminase levels were higher in elder sugar gliders, while albumin levels were lower. Blood urea nitrogen levels were highest in spring. The blood profile and related effects presented in this study can provide useful information for veterinary care in pet sugar gliders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma biochemistry tests are routine diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine that require an understanding of the enzyme activity profiles of individual organs for accurate interpretation. Tissue enzyme activity has been found to vary among and within taxa and has not been described in the marine toad (Rhinella marina). This study measured enzyme activities in the plasma, liver, heart, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal system, kidney, and pancreas of five marine toads, to evaluate the tissue specificity of analytes commonly included on plasma biochemical analysis. In the marine toad, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase activities were not specific to one organ, with minimal ALT activity measured in any organ tissue. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in heart tissues and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity was significantly higher in pancreatic tissues than in all other organ tissues, and plasma. GGT activity in the kidney was also significantly higher than that found in plasma, but not all other tissues. Amylase and lipase were highest in the plasma. Creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were specific to skeletal muscle, with significant LDH activity also found in cardiac tissue. This information will be vital to the interpretation of plasma biochemistry analysis in the marine toad and shows similarities to tissue enzyme activity in the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis), suggesting extrapolation to other anurans is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax seed meal is a valuable source of fatty acids, particularly omega-3 such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but its mucilage contents limit its use. This study assessed the effect of different levels of soaked flax seed meal (SFSM) on the production and health parameters in Rhode Island Red laying hens. A total of 120 hens were divided into three groups and fed diets containing 0, 6, and 12% SFSM for 10 weeks. The impact was determined based on the egg production and quality, lipid metabolites, antioxidant status, immune response, fertility, and hatchability. Diets containing up to 12% SFSM had no adverse effects on the laying rate, egg weight and mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hens supplemented with a diet containing 12% SFSM exhibited an improved egg-specific gravity, shell thickness, and yolk color. Moreover, egg albumen (%) and blood and meat spots were significantly increased. The Haugh unit score decreased substantially in chickens supplemented with a diet containing 12% SFSM. Moreover, the blood plasma and yolk lipid profiles were significantly reduced dose-dependently. The inclusion of SFSM improved the yolk lipoprotein by increasing the plasma and yolk high- density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL/LDL (low-density lipoprotein). However, the antioxidant markers, namely, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the ratio between total antioxidants capacity (TAC)/MDA, were negatively affected in hens fed a 12% SFSM diet. Furthermore, the birds fed a 12% SFSM diet had a better immune response based on the phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, lymphocyte transformation test, lysozyme activity, and antibody titer for Newcastle disease virus. The fertility and hatchability increased significantly by 4.81 and 6.74%, respectively, when the hens were fed a diet of 12% SFSM compared with the control. In conclusion, up to 12% of SFSM in hens' diets had no adverse effects on the productive and reproductive performances; at the same time, they improved the yolk color, plasma lipid profiles, yolk lipid profiles, and immune parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When captured, free‐living crocodilians respond by hyperstimulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, which triggers a cascade of downstream events of physiological stress. We examined these responses in two unstressed, and stressed Amazonian caimans, Caiman crocodilus and Melanosuchus niger. Plasma corticosterone levels increased in both stressed caiman species. In M. niger, the levels of this hormone increased 5.2‐fold compared with the basal range values, while in C. crocodilus this was only 1.7‐fold. After stress, M. niger needed more than 6 h to return its corticosterone levels to basal range values, whereas in C. crocodilus just 0.5 h was enough. Downstream events were characterized by an increase in glucose levels, which is associated with corticosterone increments. Excessive muscle activity resulted in increased plasma lactate content in both species. Lactate levels were also related to plasma calcium concentration, possibly due to the buffering capacity for preventing lactic acidosis. Clearance of excessive lactate load was faster in M. niger (0.5 h) than in C. crocodilus (more than 6 h). Although both caiman species respond in the same way to capture, the amplitude and duration of activation of the HPA axis are different. M. niger may be potentially more sensitive to acute stress than C. crocodilus. On the other hand, C. crocodilus needs more time to recover from the lactic acid load. Our experiment provides a useful diagnostic tool for management and conservation programs, as well as evaluating the impacts of tourism and recreational capture on caimans in the Amazon. Highlights: In both stressed species, capture stress resulted in increased plasma corticosterone, glucose, lactate, and calcium levels.The physiological responses observed in Melanosuchus niger indicate that it is more susceptible to acute stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The light spectrum varies with the altitude of the sun and shows different light colors in clear water. In this study, we aimed to investigate the response of juvenile steelhead trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (34.67 ± 2.69 g initial weight) under different light color conditions. The effects of different blue and red light combinations on plasma biochemical parameters, digestive enzyme activity, and RNA/DNA ratio were assessed in trout over 16 weeks. Six treatments were randomly assigned to 24 tanks with four replicates per treatment: a constant light intensity of 150 lx: 12 h white light then 12 h dark (12W); 12 h blue light then 12 h dark (12B); 12 h red light then 12 h dark (12R); 1.5 h blue light, 9 h red light, 1.5 h blue light, then 12 h dark (3B9R); 3 h blue light, 6 h red light, 3 h blue light, then 12 h dark (6B6R); and 12 h of both blue and red light then 12 h dark (T12BR). Fish exposed to the 3B9R light environment showed significantly increased plasma levels of total protein (TP), enhanced activities of midgut lipase, trypsin, and gastric lipase; and increased RNA content in the liver and muscle tissue to promote protein synthesis efficiency, thereby improving digestive and anabolic performance compared to fish in the other treatments. This indicates that steelhead trout have adapted well to such variable light conditions during long-term evolution. In contrast, trout exposed to the 6B6R light environment showed significant reductions in plasma glucose, TP, and triglyceride levels, decreased activity of gastrointestinal digestive enzymes, and reduced protein synthesis capacity in the muscle and liver, resulting in weakened digestive and anabolic performance. Furthermore, despite the high RNA content and RNA/DNA ratio in fish exposed to a 12R light environment, relatively high plasma cholesterol and triglycerides levels were observed, which might indicate oxidative stress. Therefore, this light is not considered suitable for long-term cultivation. In conclusion, the 3B9R treatment was the optimal light condition tested and can be used to improve the digestive and anabolic performance of steelhead trout.

Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are opportunistic carnivores that feed primarily on benthic invertebrates and fish. Sea turtle rehabilitation requires provision of a species‐specific, balanced diet that supplies nutrition similar to that of a wild diet; this can be challenging because free‐ranging loggerheads' diets vary depending on their life stage and geographic location, with predominant prey species dictated by local availability. The goal of this study was to better understand the nutritional needs of subadult and adult loggerheads in rehabilitation. This was accomplished by conducting a retrospective survey of stomach contents identified during gross necropsy of 153 deceased loggerheads that stranded in coastal Georgia, USA. A total of 288 different forage items were identified; the most frequently observed prey items belong to the subphylum Crustacea (N = 131), followed by bony fish (Osteichthyes; N = 45), gastropod mollusks (N = 40), bivalve mollusks (N = 23), and Atlantic horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus; N = 15). The proportions of certain prey items differed significantly with turtle size; adult turtles ate proportionately more gastropods (p = 0.001), and subadults ate proportionately more fish (p = 0.01). Stomach contents information was used to determine common local prey items (blue crab, cannonball jellyfish, horseshoe crab, whelk), which were evaluated for nutritional content. Additionally, we compared hematology and plasma biochemistry profiles (including proteins, trace minerals, and vitamins) between four cohorts of loggerhead turtles, including free‐ranging subadults and adults, nesting females, and loggerheads undergoing rehabilitation. This information was applied to inform a regionally specific, formulated diet for tube feeding, and a supplement containing vitamins and minerals for captive loggerheads, to more closely approximate the nutritional content of their natural diet. Assessing the regional and temporal variability in loggerhead diets is an important component in their effective conservation because resultant data can be used to help understand the impacts of environmental perturbations on benthic food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed to compare the plasma metabolic status and intestinal microflora of different breeders' genotypes. A total of 110 healthy female breeders (25-week-old) were divided into three groups: Transylvanians Barred Naked Neck (30 birds) and Black Naked Neck (30 birds) vs commercial Ross 308 breeders (50 birds). During a 5-weeks trial, the birds were reared on the floor system in climate-controlled conditions. They were fed a standard commercial laying breeder diet (15.26% crude protein and 11.30 MJ/kg metabolizable energy). Blood and intestinal content samples were collected at 30 weeks for analysis. Results revealed significant differences in plasma protein profile: total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin increased, and uric acid decreased in the Naked Neck varieties vs Ross 308 breeds. Energy profile showed higher glucose and lower HDL-Cholesterol levels in Naked Neck varieties. Plasma mineral profile archive highest calcium and phosphorus values for Naked Neck varieties vs commercial breed, with no significant change in Ca/P ratio. There was no genotype effect on plasma enzyme activities. Cecum microflora was significantly affected by genotype, the Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) and Coliforms population count decreased, while the beneficial population Lactobacillus (LAB) spp. and LAB: ENT ratio increases in the Naked Neck breeds vs commercial breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to explore the supplementing effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on plasma and milk biochemical indices and productive/reproductive performance of goats. A total of 30 healthy pregnant goats were randomly distributed (n = 10) into three experimental groups: control (M0) group (basal diet without MOLP), M2% group (basal diet + 2% MOLP), and M3.5% group (basal diet + 3.5% MOLP). The experiment started 2 months before parturition and continued till the first month of lactation. The plasma flavonoids were significantly increased in the M3.5% group during the entire experiment, whereas the total phenolic contents were enhanced only during the lactation period depending on the supplementation percentage. The amount of vitamin C increased significantly in M2% and M3.5% groups as compared to the M0 group. Supplementation of MOLP improved the plasma total antioxidant capacity by declining malondialdehyde concentration and total oxidant status values. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes were modified in M2% and M3.5% supplemented groups throughout the experiment, while the catalase activity was significantly influenced only during the lactation stage. The protein and lycopene contents in plasma were significantly improved in the M3.5% group, whereas the total sugars and carotenoid level was increased in both M2% and M3.5% groups. Dietary supplementation with 3.5% MOLP more effectively enhanced protease and amylase activities as compared to 2% supplementation. MOLP also improved the biochemical indices and antioxidant status of colostrum and milk. The milk yield, weight gain of the kids, and reproductive performance were high in M2% and M3.5% groups in comparison to the M0 group. These findings disclose that supplementing the diet with 3.5% MOLP improves antioxidant status, milk yield, and reproductive performance in goats.

Reproduction is a physiologically demanding process for sea turtles. Health indicators, including morphometric indices and blood analytes, provide insight into overall health, physiology and organ function for breeding sea turtles as a way to assess population-level effects. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR) on Florida's central eastern coast is critical nesting habitat for loggerhead sea turtles ( Caretta caretta ), but health variables from this location have not been documented. Objectives of the study were to (1) assess morphometrics and blood analyte data (including haematology, plasma biochemistry, protein electrophoresis, β-hydroxybutyrate, trace nutrients, vitamins and fatty acid profiles) from loggerheads nesting on or near the beaches of the ACNWR, (2) investigate correlations of body condition index (BCI) with blood analytes and (3) analyse temporal trends in morphometric and blood analyte data throughout the nesting season. Morphometric and/or blood analyte data are reported for 57 nesting loggerheads encountered between 2016 and 2019. Plasma copper and iron positively correlated with BCI. Mass tended to decline across nesting season, whereas BCI did not. Many blood analytes significantly increased or decreased across nesting season, reflecting the catabolic state and haemodynamic variations of nesting turtles. Twenty-three of 34 fatty acids declined across nesting season, which demonstrates the physiological demands of nesting turtles for vitellogenesis and reproductive activities, thus suggesting potential utility of fatty acids for the assessment of foraging status and phases of reproduction. The findings herein are relevant for future spatiotemporal and interspecies comparisons, investigating stressor effects and understanding the physiological demands in nesting sea turtles. This information provides comparative data for individual animals in rescue or managed care settings and for assessment of conservation strategies., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press and the Society for Experimental Biology.)

In this study, Caspian trout, Salmo caspius (232 ± 26.9 g) were exposed to 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 µL/L of 1,8-cineole (cineole) to determine times needed for induction of and recovery from anesthesia (six fish concentration). Then, the fish were deeply anesthetized within 3 min [(RA); 483 µL/L], deeply sedated within 10 min [(DS); 200 µL/L], or lightly sedated within 180 min [(LS); 50 µL/L] and blood-sampled (six fish concentration). There was a significant relationship between the induction time of anesthesia and cineole concentration (R2 = 0.94). RA fish exhibited significant decrements in plasma chloride levels (P = 0.007; 108 ± 0.48 vs. 112 ± 0.90 mEq/L) and superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.001; 49.7 ± 0.42 vs. 54.5 ± 0.76 U/L) and elevations in plasma lysozyme activity (P = 0.017; 31.7 ± 0.44 vs. 26.9 ± 0.49 U/L), glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.001; 611 ± 5.77 vs. 363 ± 5.56 U/L), and malondialdehyde level (P = 0.026; 170 ± 6.19 vs. 149 ± 1.05 µM/L), compared to the non-anesthetized fish (NA). DS fish exhibited an elevation in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.001; 496 ± 16.2 vs. 363 ± 5.56 U/L), whereas LS fish showed the same elevation as well as elevations in plasma ammonia (P = 0.018; 312 ± 24.2 vs. 227 ± 11.9 U/L) and urea (P = 0.046; 2.47 ± 0.34 vs. 1.58 ± 0.17 U/L) levels, compared NA fish. In conclusion, cineole induces deep anesthesia in Caspian trout within 5.63-1.83 min at the concentrations of 300–1000 µL/L. Deep sedation with 200 µL/L cineole is the ideal anesthesia protocol for Caspian trout as it induced less physiological changes in the fish plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the cumulative effect of chemical components has a deterrent effect on consumer health, the use of natural food additives instead of traditional chemical food additives is becoming more and more useful for fish feed. The present research was conducted in common carp with the mean initial weight of 63.16 ± 0.72 g to assess the effect of dietary basil (Ocimum basilicum) powder (DBP) on some oxidative biomarkers in tissues and plasma biochemical parameters. Four formulations of experimental diets were prepared; group 1: control diet (in the absence of DBP), groups 2 (2% DBP), groups 3 (4% DBP), and groups 4 (6% DBP). Fish were fed experimental diets three times a day for 60 days and the blood as well as tissue sampling was done from 10 fish in each group for measurement of oxidative and biochemical indices. The values of liver glutathione peroxidase (1307.11 ± 84.4 U/g), superoxide dismutase (1473.27 ± 82.5 U/g), and catalase (1331.51 ± 85.3 U/g) were significantly enhanced in the 6% DBP group, in comparison with the control (P < 0.05). Significantly lower levels of plasma, liver and kidney malondialdehyde, and renal and hepatic protein carbonyl contents were observed in fish receiving 6% DBP. Liver and kidney ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and glutathione (GSH) values increased significantly as compared to group 1 and the most increase was observed in the group receiving 6% DBP. There was no substantial variation in plasma values of total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase among the experimental groups. The obtained results indicate that 6% DBP supplementation is more effective than other doses in improving the antioxidant system and attenuating lipid and protein redox biomarkers at several tissues of common carp. Moreover, no alterations in plasma biochemical indices of tissue damage could promise no damaging effects of applied doses of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the current work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the value and applicability of multivariate tools for hematological and plasma biochemical responses of fish living in treated wastewater. Physicochemical water properties and heavy metals concentration of water in spring and fall were used as determinants of multiple fish stressors. Three methods of data analysis (Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering, Factor Analysis, Principal Component Analysis) and one method of data modeling (Partial Least Square Regression) were applied. These methods enabled identification of clustering based on observed parameters, identification of significant variables in the observed data set, and correlation of observed variables with samples collected in different places and at different seasons. Prediction of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, hematocrit, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides and cholesterol from fish blood (R2 > 0.9) was better for fall than for spring variables, regardless the sampling site (R2 > 0.98). For hematocrit and glucose (determination coefficient over 0.99), prediction was successful regardless the season and the sampling site. The effectiveness of prediction models was also evaluated using ratio of standard error of performance to standard deviation (RPD), and range error ratio (RER). High applicability of these models was found for multiple purposes (RPD > 8 and RER > 15), including prediction of parameters from fish blood with regard to water quality.

Hematological and plasma biochemical examination are crucial in the veterinary care of sugar gliders, which are increasingly popular in Taiwan and the United States. However, published research of the species’ reference interval and related influencing factors were rare. The objectives of this study were to establish the hematological and plasma biochemical reference values for captive sugar gliders in Taiwan and to evaluate the influence of factors including age, gender, neuter status, location, season, diet, caging arrangement, and other pets in the household. A total of 42 clinically healthy pet sugar gliders were recruited. Morphometrical measurements and physiological data were collected, and hematological and plasma biochemical examinations were performed. The reference value of each index was calculated using Reference Value Advisor (RVA) software, following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines. Normality of data distribution was tested, and data transformation was conducted. The parametric method and robust method were used to determine reference limits. Univariate analysis was performed, and multiple regression models were built for each hematological and plasma biochemical parameter. Red blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels were higher in males, compared to females, while they were lower in the neutered group, compared to the intact group. Relative neutrophil counts were higher in elder sugar gliders, while relative lymphocyte counts were lower. Aspartate transaminase levels were higher in elder sugar gliders, while albumin levels were lower. Blood urea nitrogen levels were highest in spring. The blood profile and related effects presented in this study can provide useful information for veterinary care in pet sugar gliders.

Husbandry of exotic pets like ornamental fish demands for the same holistic veterinary care, which is provided in companion animal medicine. The aim of this study was to provide basic values for laboratory parameters of adult koi kept in outdoor ponds as a basis for evaluation of fish general health and detection of organic disturbances. In addition, seasonal and sexual differences were examined. Six natural and conventional ponds with long-lasting veterinary health care and good pond water quality for koi husbandry were selected. Out of these, 42 koi with equal sex distribution and different age and size range underwent parasitological and thorough clinical examination to confirm general health status. Plasma biochemistry, haematological parameters and enzyme activities were determined. Differences between sexes include significantly increased alanine transaminase (ALT) activities and total protein, albumin and triglyceride concentrations in females. Seasonal differences obtained in 32 (76.2%) koi between late spring and late summer mainly included significantly increased activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) during summer. Further seasonal differences in plasma biochemistry values and neutrophil fraction were minor. This study provides basic values for koi kept in outdoor ponds as a basis for good veterinary practice, which includes routine blood parameter evaluation in a plethora of species. Furthermore, potential influence of sex and season/water temperature are highlighted to prevent misinterpretation of different physiological states like reproductive activity as pathological conditions.

Flax seed meal is a valuable source of fatty acids, particularly omega-3 such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but its mucilage contents limit its use. This study assessed the effect of different levels of soaked flax seed meal (SFSM) on the production and health parameters in Rhode Island Red laying hens. A total of 120 hens were divided into three groups and fed diets containing 0, 6, and 12% SFSM for 10 weeks. The impact was determined based on the egg production and quality, lipid metabolites, antioxidant status, immune response, fertility, and hatchability. Diets containing up to 12% SFSM had no adverse effects on the laying rate, egg weight and mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hens supplemented with a diet containing 12% SFSM exhibited an improved egg-specific gravity, shell thickness, and yolk color. Moreover, egg albumen (%) and blood and meat spots were significantly increased. The Haugh unit score decreased substantially in chickens supplemented with a diet containing 12% SFSM. Moreover, the blood plasma and yolk lipid profiles were significantly reduced dose-dependently. The inclusion of SFSM improved the yolk lipoprotein by increasing the plasma and yolk high- density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL/LDL (low-density lipoprotein). However, the antioxidant markers, namely, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the ratio between total antioxidants capacity (TAC)/MDA, were negatively affected in hens fed a 12% SFSM diet. Furthermore, the birds fed a 12% SFSM diet had a better immune response based on the phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, lymphocyte transformation test, lysozyme activity, and antibody titer for Newcastle disease virus. The fertility and hatchability increased significantly by 4.81 and 6.74%, respectively, when the hens were fed a diet of 12% SFSM compared with the control. In conclusion, up to 12% of SFSM in hens’ diets had no adverse effects on the productive and reproductive performances; at the same time, they improved the yolk color, plasma lipid profiles, yolk lipid profiles, and immune parameters.

A 121-day feeding trial was undertaken to test the effects of two dietary lipid levels (16 and 21% L16, L21) in triplicated gilthead sea bream groups (initial weight: 67.5 g) reared at two different water temperatures (high, H 23°C and low, L 17°C) in the same recirculation system but exposed to a switch in temperature after 58 days. Fish kept at H were transferred to L (HL transition, autumn shift), and the fish kept at L were exposed to H (LH transition, summer shift), while continuing to receive the same diet to apparent satiation in each group. At the end of the trial, no significant diet effect on specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were detected in fish exposed to HL transition compared with those exposed to LH transition, while gross lipid efficiency (GLE) and lipid efficiency ratio (LER) were higher in L16. After temperature changes, L16 displayed higher SGR, FI, GLE, and LER, while mesenteric fat index was reduced. After temperature changes, the combined effects of low lipid diet and low temperature conditions resulted in higher pepsin activity, while trypsin, chymotrypsin, and lipase activities were generally higher at high lipid content. The combined effect of diet and temperature did not alter the metabolic plasma profile, except for the observed final higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values when combining high dietary lipid (L21) and temperature changes. Different diets showed a significantly different gut microbiome layout, only at high temperature with L16 diet resulting in a higher load of Lactobacillus. On the contrary, no dietary impact on ecosystem diversity was observed, independently from the temperature. In addition, L16 diet in the HL transition favored an increase in Weissella and Bradyrhizobium genera in the gut microbiome, while in the final condition of LH transition, L21 diet favored a significant increase in Streptococcus and Bacillus. According to the results, the utilization of 16% dietary lipid levels in gilthead sea bream should be preferred during seasonal temperature changes in order to optimize feed utilization and gut health.

Blood glucose measurements provide important diagnostic information regarding stress, disease, and nutritional status. Glucose analytical methodologies include dry chemistry analysis (DCA) of plasma and point-of-care (POC) glucometer analysis of whole blood; however, these 2 methods differ in cost, required sample volume, and processing time. Because POC glucometers use built-in equations based on features of mammalian blood to convert whole blood measurements to plasma equivalent units, obtained glucose data must be compared and validated using gold-standard chemistry analytical methodology in reptiles. For in-water, trawl-captured, immature Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) from Georgia, USA, we observed significant, positive agreement between the 2 glucose determination methods; however, the glucometer overestimated glucose concentrations by 1.4 mmol/L on average in comparison to DCA and produced a wider range of results. The discordance of these results suggests that POC glucometer glucose data should be interpreted in the context of methodology- and brand-specific reference intervals along with concurrent packed cell volume data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to develop a suitable aquaculture system to solve issues pertaining to water quality in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) thereby improving fish growth performance and their feed conversion ratio (FCR). It is known that the efficiency of nutrient decomposition depends on the amount and species of bacteria present in the filter, and these can in turn be regulated by the pH. Our study shows that the significant increase in pH from 7.45 to 7.51 and 7.47 is achieved after the water was filtered through sawdust and wood wool respectively. At the same time, nitrite concentrations were found to have significantly decreased from 0.06 ppm in the control to 0.01 ppm in the sawdust treatment. Changes in the physical–chemical properties of treated water affect the biological properties of the organisms. It was found that the average final body weight for fish in the wood wool treatment 30.96 g and fish in the sawdust treatment 31.44 g was significantly higher compared to that for the fish in the control treatment 28.42 g. The use of sponge, wood wool or sawdust resulted in significantly lower FCR and therefore better fish productivity in RAS. At the same time, the red blood cell count, plasma urea, plasma creatinine, plasma albumin, and GOT and GPT were significantly higher in fish in the plastic, sponge, wood wool or sawdust treatment compared to the control treatment. In summary, this study demonstrates the benefits of using sponge, wood, wool and sawdust as biofilter media for aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) population has rebounded from near extinction to an international status as vulnerable due in part to regional species recovery efforts. The southeastern US population has been recovering with the main spawning locations off the coasts of Florida. Despite their economic importance to the catch-and-release fishery and the dive industry, and their ecological importance as ecosystem engineers resulting in positive impacts on reefs and species richness, baseline health assessment information is very limited in this species to date. The objectives of this study were to: (1) establish reference intervals for hematological and plasma biochemical analytes, and report immune function, oxidative stress, and vitellogenin in mature males and females; (2) evaluate total length, age, and sex in relation to blood analytes in juvenile and mature fish; (3) assess analytes across sampled months in mature male and female fish; and (4) describe the typical light microscopy findings in liver and gill biopsies, including quantitative assessment of pigmented macrophage aggregates. Health indices are reported as reference intervals when applicable, or otherwise descriptively. Blood analyte correlations with length and age, sex differences, and comparisons across months provided relevant physiological considerations, including differences in protein/energy metabolism, tissue growth, sexual maturation, active reproduction, and antigenic stimulation. Liver histology identified changes associated with life stage, active reproduction, or of subclinically to clinically insignificant infectious and/or inflammatory processes. Hepatocellular vacuolation and pigmented macrophage aggregates were prominent. Pigmented macrophage aggregates correlated with total length, presumably from continuous antigenic stimulation and/or metabolic changes as fish grow. Gill histological findings were subtle. The data presented herein provide an essential baseline assessment of a suite of health variables in an iconic marine teleost species, serves as a springboard for future studies relevant to conservation physiology, and allows for population-level applications for conservation management and policy.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of whole seeds of white lupine and different binder types in complete pelleted diets on selected haematological and plasma biochemical indicators of growing dwarf rabbits. The individual litters of Dwarf Lop rabbit kits were randomised after birth into control (n = 12) and experimental (E) groups. The young rabbits of the E group (n = 24) received an experimental pre-weaning diet containing a 25% share of white lupine seeds. At the time of weaning, the live weights of eight-week-old rabbits in the control group and E group were 727 g and 743 g, respectively. The weaned rabbits of the E group were further equally divided into two post-weaning experimental dietary groups (M = 12; G = 12); these diets contained a 20% share of white lupine seeds each and their composition only differed in the type of the binder (molasses or glycerol component). The rabbits of the control group received a commercial pet rabbit diet with no white lupine seeds during the entire experimental period. At the age of eight weeks, the diet showed a significant effect on the level of albumin (P < 0.05), A/G ratio (P < 0.05) and ALP activity (P < 0.01) in plasma of dwarf rabbit kits. Significant effects of diet were found in 15-week old rabbits in relation to the plasma level of albumin (P < 0.05), Ca (P < 0.05), A/G ratio (P < 0.05) and ALT activity (P < 0.01). The dietary inclusion of white lupine seeds resulted in beneficial health effects on certain blood indicators of rabbits, and their use in the proportion of 25% in the pre-weaning diet and 20% in the post-weaning diet can be recommended as a suitable feed additive for dwarf rabbits. The use of crude glycerol as binder in the experimental diet had no adverse effect on the blood indicators of the growing rabbits and thus it can be recommended for the manufacture of feed pellets intended for dwarf rabbits.

Abstract Background The study of haematological and biochemical parameters is important to evaluate the physiological status in wild birds. In order to carry out ecophysiological or conservation studies, it is important to know the baseline physiological parameters and how these vary with age, sex and life history events. Results Haematological parameters including red blood corpuscles (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), haematocrit, haemoglobin and related RBC indices and plasma and biochemical parameters including glucose, lipid profile and liver function tests, kidney function tests and electrolyte concentration reference values were determined in two long-distance migratory species from the family Anatidae, the northern shoveler (Anas clypeata) and Eurasian teal (Anas crecca), during migration season. Data revealed significant inter-species differences for most blood and biochemical parameters. These differences are likely due to different feeding habit, diet and species-specific migration behaviour rather than phylogenetic reasons or different environmental condition as they winter at the same place (Máñez et al., Conservation Monitoring in Freshwater Habitats, 2010). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study that performs a comparative blood analysis on northern shoveler and Eurasian teal during their overwintering period in Manzala Lake, Egypt. Due to the lack of haematological studies on both species during migration, the current results represent a contribution to understanding the physiological adaptations that facilitate the use of different habitats in these species and for establishing reference physiological values and for comparison within the same species, or even with other species in different periods with regard to their use in future conservation efforts or other studies.

This study was conducted on 18 bitches; 10 affected with pyometra and 8 normal healthy bitches to evaluate and compare the haematobiochemical profiles before and after surgical intervention. The blood samples were collected from confirmed cases of canine pyometra and healthy bitches just before and on day 8th and 15th after surgery. The mean values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, total platelet count were significantly (p < 0.01) lower, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and total leucocyte count were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in bitches affected with pyometra as compared to healthy ones on day 0. These differences gradually narrowed down on day 8th and 15th post-operative with improvement in profile of operated pyometric bitches. The mean neutrophil count was significantly increased, whereas the values of lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were decreased in bitches with pyometra than in healthy ones, which gradually normalized in post-operative period. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of plasma urea nitrogen (46.13 ± 6.79 vs. 24.32 ± 5.16 mg/dl), creatinine (1.92 ± 0.42 vs 1.14 ± 011 mg/dl) plasma total protein and globulin (4.87 ± 0.27 vs 2.85 ± 0.19 g/dl) with lower A:G ratio (0.51 ± 0.03 vs 0.99 ± 0.10) were recorded in bitches with pyometra as compared to healthy ones, which declined non-significantly by 8th and 15th day post-operative in affected bitches. There was significant decline in the plasma levels of total cholesterol and enzymes aspartate amino transferase and alanine aminotransferase in bitches with pyometra at 8th and 15th day post-operative as compared to pre-operative values, however the differences between healthy and affected bitches were statistically non-significant, perhaps due to wide variation in the profiles of individual animals. It is concluded that haemato-biochemical profile in conjunction with clinical signs can be used to predict the severity of canine pyometra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma biochemistry profiles aid health assessment of marine turtles, but knowledge of the influence of regional biological factors (e.g., habitat, diet) on marine turtle blood plasma values is limited. To investigate the influence of diet on plasma biochemistry values in juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas), we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to provide a quantitative estimate of forage items in green turtles feeding at two distinct areas (Bonefish Hole and South Flats) in Bimini, Bahamas. Plasma samples were obtained from 13 turtles in Bonefish Hole (a mangrove tidal estuary) and 15 turtles in South Flats (an open water seagrass bed) in 2018. All turtles appeared outwardly healthy. Sessile filter feeders contributed the largest proportion of diet in Bonefish Hole, and seagrass contributed the highest proportion of diet in South Flats. Turtles at Bonefish Hole presented significantly lower cholesterol, total protein, phosphorus, triglycerides, and aspartate transaminase compared to South Flats. Across all turtles, those feeding primarily on red algae presented the highest uric acid and alkaline phosphatase, and turtles with a seagrass-dominated diet had the highest cholesterol. Understanding dietary influence on plasma biochemistry may help explain variances seen in local health and nutritional evaluations, and the trends reported can aid the interpretation of plasma analyte values in marine turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oreochromis niloticus was exposed to 10.0 ppb of organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and avermectin insecticides abamectin (ABM) and emamectin benzoate (EB) for 48 and 96 h. RBC and Hb decreased in CPF- and ABM-exposed fish after 96-h. Plasma ALT, AST, cortisol, and glucose increased in 96-h CPF-, ABM- and EB-exposed fish, while plasma ions declined in 96-h CPF-exposed ones. Insecticides caused alterations in liver oxidative stress parameters. In fish exposed to CPF, CAT increased after 48-h whereas it decreased after 96-h. Also, CAT declined in 48- and 96-h ABM-exposed fish, whereas it elevated in 48-h EB-exposed ones. Insecticides caused decreases in SOD at 48- and 96-h and in GR after 96-h. GSH elevated in CPF-exposed fish after 48-h, while it decreased in all the tested insecticide exposures after 96-h. Malondialdehyde of fish exposed to insecticides for 96-h increased. Consequently, toxic effects of insecticides on O. niloticus were generally as CPF > ABM > EB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fresh fish in Nigeria is gaining acceptance as a result of knowledge of its nutritive value; however, it is mostly assessed by the consumers by mere looking. Fish that looks apparently healthy may not be actually healthy. Haematology, plasma biochemistry and serum are some good parameters for the assessment of fish health. This study evaluated the haematology, plasma biochemistry and blood enzymes of farm-raised African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, naturally infected with listeriosis in Oyo State. Fish were collected from 36 farms using stratified method. A total of 108 fish were collected where 37 were positive for listeriosis. The blood of the affected fish was used for this study. Haematology, plasma biochemistry and blood enzyme analysis were determined. Fish from Oyo zone had the highest PCV, Hb, RBC and MCHC with 29.33 ± 2.96%, 10.04 ± 1.04 dL, 3.55 ± 0.09 × 106/μL and 34.24 ± 0.74%, respectively; the highest heterocytes (39.00 ± 5.33%), eosinophils (4.00 ± 1.10%), basophils (0.50 ± 0.55%) and hetero:lymphocyte ratio (0.71 ± 0.14) were recorded in fish from Ogbomosho zone; WBC, platelets, lymphocytes and monocytes were highest in fish from Saki zone with 18.72 ± 0.44 × 106/μL, 224.00 ± 3.61 × 103/μL, 71.33 ± 1.53% and 3.33 ± 0.58%, respectively, while fish from Ibadan/Ibarapa zone had the highest MCV (163.40 ± 44.23 fL) and MCH (52.77 ± 14.95 pg). Total protein and globulin were highest in fish from Oyo zone with 6.61 ± 0.37 and 1.70 ± 0.38 g/dL, respectively, while albumin and A:G ratio were highest in fish from Ogbomosho zone. Fish from Ogbomosho zone had the highest AST, ALP, creatinine and glucose with 194.17 ± 10.11 μL, 232.17 ± 63.64 μL, 0.72 ± 0.19 μL and 277.50 ± 90.36 mg/dL, respectively; urea and cholesterol were highest in fish from Saki zone (8.30 ± 0.46 μL and 263.67 ± 3.51 mg/dL) while Ibadan/Ibarapa zone had the highest ALT (37.11 ± 14.72 μL). The study concluded that fish that are physically healthy which is the common factor used to judge the health status of the fish by majority of consumers do not mean that the fish are healthy. Haematology, biochemistry and blood enzymes of the fish infected with listeriosis are lower than the recommended levels. Therefore, further research should be carried out to detect a quicker way of examining healthy fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal on growth, plasma biochemistry and gut microbiota was tested in gilthead sea bream. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic extruded diets (50% protein; 14% lipid) with different levels of HI larva meal (0% CTRL, 5% HI5, 10% HI10, and 15% HI15) in partial substitution to fish meal (FM) were administered to triplicate fish groups over 113 days. Diets were designed to partially replace FM, using FM level for practical application. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in terms of final body weight, specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), feed conversion rate (FCR) as well as feed efficiency parameters such as protein efficiency ratio (PER), gross protein efficiency (GPE), gross lipid efficiency (GLE). At the end of the trial there were not significant differences on growth, feed intake, feed conversion rate and protein efficiency. Among over 20 plasma parameters analyzed, HI inclusion level reduced iron (Fe), potassium (K), creatinine (CREA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The reduction of AST, ALT and ALP might suggest a potential beneficial role of HI for liver integrity and functionality. Concerning gut microbiome (GM) layout, HI was able to induce a shift in the GM structure at any inclusion level considered compared to the control diet increasing the abundance of Bacillaceae (mainly Bacillus and Oceanobacillus) and Paenibacillaceae (Paenibacillus). Taxa that can be involved in chitin degradation and has been recently recognized as novel probiotics for aquaculture. In conclusion, the results of feed intake, growth, feed utilization and plasma biochemistry indicate that HI larvae meal can be successfully incorporated up to 15% in practical aquafeed diets to partially replace FM without any negative effects on growth and feed efficiency. Beyond being a valid alternative protein source for fish meal replacement in this species, it displays gut health functional properties already at low inclusion level. • Partial replacement of FM with HI larvae meal did not affect growth and feed utilization. • HI was able to induce a shift in the GM structure at any inclusion level. • HI increased the abundance of Bacillus and Paenibacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the dietary supplementation of oleuropein (O) and α-tocopherol acetate (TA) alone or with organic selenium (Se) on liver antioxidant status and some plasma biochemistry parameters in Japanese quails reared under heat stress (HS). A total of 800, two-weeks old quails were kept in wire cages in the temperature-controlled rooms at either 22°C or 34°C for 8 h/d and fed on a basal diet (NC) or the diets supplemented with TA (TA200) or O (O200) at 200 mg/kg alone or with OSe (TA200+OSe and O200+OSe) to the NC diet. HS decreased the total antioxidant status (TAS) and increased the total oxidative stress (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of liver compared to thermoneutral temperature (TN). The TA200, O200, TA200+OSe and O200+OSe diets increased TAS and decreased TOS of liver compared to those of quails fed NC. OSI was decreased by the TA200, O200 and TA200+OSe diets compared to NC and O200+OSe diets. HS reduced plasma albumin (A) and total protein (TP) concentrations, on the other hand, increased plasma glucose (G), total cholesterol (CHO) and triglyceride (TG) levels compared to TN. The TA200, O200, TA200+OSe and O200+OSe diets reduced plasma total CHO and TG levels and increased plasma A level. The TA200 and TA200+OSe diets reduced plasma G level and increased plasma TP levels compared to those of quails fed the other diets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of vitamin E and oleuropein alone or with organic selenium is necessary to remove the negative effects of heat stress on liver antioxidant status and some plasma parameters of quails.

Cuchia eel ( Monopterus cuchia ) is among the most sought-after freshwater fish, owing to its exceptional nutritional profile and high consumer demand. The current research aimed to establish baseline data by comparing the proximate composition, hematological, and plasma biochemical indices of Cuchia eel populations across six different geographical locations in Bangladesh: Bogra, Haluaghat, Jamalpur, Moktagacha, Sylhet, and Tangail. By examining these parameters, we aim to gain valuable insights into the nutritional benefits, physiological responses, and potential adaptations of this species to varying environments. The statistical analysis revealed no significant ( P  > 0.05) variances in the whole-body proximate composition of the fish captured from distinct areas. However, it was observed that different geographical regions had remarkable impacts on the variations of the majority of the hematological parameters, except for some cases. Additionally, there was a notable ( P  < 0.05) increase or decrease in most of the serum biochemical contents in certain localities as compared to others in this study. Light microscopic examination of Cuchia eel blood smears exhibited lower numbers but larger sizes of RBCs. The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that different localities had significant impacts on the hematology and blood biochemical indices of Cuchia eel, even though the whole-body proximate composition showed no significant variations. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the physiological aspects of Cuchia eel., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Urban coastal ecosystems are unique intersections of human development and biodiversity, and monitoring populations in these areas is critical to understanding ecosystem health and function. Three highly urbanized estuary systems, San Diego Bay, San Gabriel River, and Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge (all in California), are the northernmost foraging habitats for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Eastern Pacific. Here, we report blood biochemistry and morphological parameters for these Southern California green sea turtle foraging aggregations to investigate the current health status of these animals and provide baseline values for future work. Morphometric and blood biochemistry parameters for green turtles captured in this study (n = 39) were clinically reasonable and were generally consistent with previously reported parameters for green turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 150‐days study was conducted on the continuous exposure of magnetized water at 0.00, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 Tesla (T) on quadruplicate treatments of Jade Perch Scortum barcoo juveniles in a recirculating system. Each replicate consisted of 18 fish with an average weight of 7.52 g over all treatments. The feeding efficiencies, growth, whole‐body proximate plasma parameters, survival were measured and liver histopathology was observed. Our results show no significant improvement in water quality parameters, specific growth rate and body weight gain in this study. However, the best feed conversion ratio was recorded in fish exposed to 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 T, which are significantly better than the control 0.00 T. Though survival was unaffected but plasma biochemistry and liver histopathology were affected even within the treatment. No liver, plasma or blood abnormalities were detected in fish exposed to 0.10 T and the control 0.00 T. But, one out of four livers from fish in the 0.15 T treatment showed a localized inflammatory response. These changes increased in the liver of fish exposed to 0.20 T, high AST and necrosis in this group is evidence of the liver cells damaged or been at risk. A significantly higher crude protein and lipid were noticed in the exposed fish compared with the control, 0.15 T had the highest crude protein and lipid while the control has the lowest. Based on the overall findings, on growth performance and looking at other factors like absence of any physiological disorder 0.10 T can be used as an effective and affordable technique improve the feeding efficiencies of Jade Perch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hematological and plasma biochemical parameter study is recognized as a valuable tool for evaluating health status, physiological and pathological conditions of fish. In the present study, blood sampling was carried out with the aim to evaluate plasma biochemistry and hematological parameters of Himalayan snow trout, Schizothorax plagiostomus, that are altered due to variation in environmental conditions. The fluctuations in hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and plasma biochemical parameters, such as total protein, glucose, total cholesterol and urea were compared with respect to gender and season. The hemoglobin and packed cell volume were obtained by cyanmethemoglobin and microhaematocrit method while total red blood cell count and total white blood cell count were obtained by Neubauer hemocytometer, respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in hematological parameters between sexes during summer season as compared to all the other seasons, except MCH and MCHC wherein no significant (P > 0.05) difference among the season has been noted. Between the sexes, the Hb concentration, total RBC count and PCV value were higher in males throughout the summer season, while the number of WBC count was recorded higher in female fish during the summer season. However, there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference noted in MCH, MCHC and MCV values neither between the sexes nor between the seasons throughout the annual cycle. The biochemistry parameter of S. plagiostomus also produced significant (P > 0.05) differences with respect to both sex and season. Higher serum protein, glucose, total cholesterol and urea content were noted in both male and female fish during summer season and lowest content of these parameters was recorded in both sexes during winter and spring seasons. The data generated in the present study revealed that monitoring fish hematology and plasma biochemical parameters will serve as an imperative biomarker for monitoring the health status of the fish population, which may be a useful indicator of the environment alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood parameters (hematology and biochemistry) are useful in assessing the physiological, nutritional, and overall health status of both captive and free-ranging wildlife. In this study, we established baseline values for blood parameters (hematology, plasma biochemistry, and trace elements) of free-ranging adult Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) sampled at ten breeding colonies covering their full latitudinal distribution in Patagonia over two decades. Males had higher packed cell volume, heterophil and eosinophil relative counts, total solids, copper, and iron but lower magnesium than females. We also compared our results with those obtained in previous studies on both captive and free-ranging Magellanic Penguins and other Spheniscus species. Our study provides a baseline for ecological studies investigating the physiological responses of this species to natural and anthropogenic changes. Furthermore, our findings provide clinically relevant reference values for Magellanic Penguins under care at zoos, aquaria, and rehabilitation centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]