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

ABSTRACT

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