1Trakia University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine / 6014 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
2Trakia University, Faculty of Agriculture / 6014 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
*Corresponding author e-mail: zaprianowa@abv.bg
Abstract:
Biochemical and endocrine parameters afforded an accurate evaluation of health and welfare of cultured fishes and can be used as an indicators and stress signals to different conditions. The present study was designed to characterise reference values of circulating levels stress hormone and acute phase proteins of most economically important freshwater fish in Bulgaria aquaculture and to supplement the information in the existing database. Blood samples were drawn from the vena caudalis of 8 species of fresh water fish immediately after they were electro stunning. The collected blood (approximately 2.0 ml) has been centrifuged at 2500 rpm for 5 min at room temperature and plasma was immediately separated and stored at -20°C until analysis. Plasma cortisol was assayed by laser fluorescence reader (i-chroma TM Reader Boditech Med Incorporated). Plasma glucose levels were analysed with commercial diagnostic kits. The concentrations of acute phase proteins were estimated by nephelometric and colorimetrically. The reference values of cortisol, glucose, fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin were assessed in carp (Cyprinus carpio), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mychiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta fario), Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), hybrids Russian sturgeon female x Siberian sturgeon male, pike (Esox lucius), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The results reflect species differences in corticosteroid and acute phase proteins values and may be due to differences in season, temperature, gender, origin, physiological, nutritional status, etc.
Keywords: acute phase protein, biochemical, cortisol, fresh water fish.
