Hematological characteristics and reproduction indices of wild beluga (Huso huso) broodstocks from the southeast of the Caspian Sea

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hematological studies are valuable diagnostic<br />techniques in the medical care of fish, reflecting the health<br />condition and the effects of environmental factors on fish. OBJECTIVES:<br />Due to the high value of sturgeon fish and necessity<br />to recover the brood stock, this study was done to provide data<br />about hematological parameters and reproduction normative of<br />wild brood stock beluga, Huso huso, from the southeast of the<br />Caspian Sea. METHODS: Hematological parameters including<br />RBC, WBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC,<br />and differential leukocyte count were determined. In this regard,<br />7 male and 7 female wild broods were studied. Differences<br />in mentioned parameters between genders were evaluated.<br />The correlations among parameters were also determined.<br />RESULTS: According to the results, the male fish had significantly<br />higher WBC and lymphocyte and lower neutrophil compared<br />to the females. Also, functional fecundity was 447000 ±<br />157210 and weight of extracted oocytes was 35.4 ± 3.78 mg/<br />cell. The oocytes' long diameter was 4.17 ± 0.21mm and width<br />diameter was 3.75 ± 0.19 mm. Egg fertilization rate was 46.7<br />± 24.33%, and larvae weight was 25.48 ± 1.56 mg. CONCLUSIONS:<br />Hematological parameters of juvenile and fingerling<br />reared beluga showed wide ranges, and there are differences in<br />hematological parameters between reared and wild broodstock<br />belugas. These findings highlight the importance of hematological<br />study in wild beluga sturgeon.