Reference Intervals for the Serum Biochemistry and Lipid Profile of Male Broodstock African Catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>: Burchell, 1822) at Varied Ages

Abstract

The study established reference intervals and age variations in the serum biochemistry and lipid profile of cultured male broodstock African catfish. The evaluations were carried out on twenty-five (25) cultured male broodstock African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) of 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12 months of age. Standard biochemical procedures were carried out in all the serum biochemistry and lipid profile determinations. The overall mean ± SD values for the serum biochemistry parameters and lipid profile were as follows: alanine aminotransferase 17.49 ± 8.30 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase 125.76 ± 28.59 U/L; alkaline phosphatase 12.42 ± 2.56 U/L; total proteins 3.70 ± 1.49 g/dl; albumin 1.60 ± 0.30 g/dl; globulin 2.10 ± 1.38 g/dl; albumin/globulin 1.53 ± 1.71; total bilirubin 1.71 ± 0.51 mg/dl; direct bilirubin 0.36 ± 0.43 mg/dl; indirect bilirubin 1.35 ± 0.52 mg/dl; creatinine 1.13 ± 0.64 mg/dl; blood urea nitrogen 2.18 ± 2.47 mg/dl; total cholesterol 128.18 ± 40.22 mg/dl; HDL-C 26.36 ± 3.73 mg/dl; LDL-C 75.44 ± 9.30 mg/dl; VLDL-C 32.00 ± 2.03 mg/dl and triglyceride 160.00 ± 10.15 mg/dl. The results showed significant (P < 0.05) variations in all the serum biochemistry parameters and lipid profile of the studied fishes, across the different age groups except in the serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, the current report offers information that shall be useful to all carrying out experimental studies involving assay of these parameters in male broodstock African catfish.