Seasonal variations in serum lipids, lipoproteins and some haematological parameters of chub (Leuciscus cephalus)

Abstract

The purpose of the present investigation was to characterize monthly fluctuations in haematology and serum biochemical data in wild chub (Leuciscus cephalus) by measuring red blood cells (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (MCHC), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), light density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). TG, CHOL, HDL and VLDL amounts were found to reach the highest values in the prespawning period (May and June). LDL values in cold months were higher than in the rest of the year. The highest RBC, Hct, MCV and WBC values were determined in May. The minimum values were obtained in cold months for RBC, Hct, MCV and WBC. The highest and the lowest values for Hb, MCH and MCHC were found in January and in warm months, respectively. Consequently, it was concluded that all the studied parameters were affected by many endogenous and exogenous factors such as reproductive cycle, water temperature, and metabolic rate.