Sex Specific Seasonal Variation in Hematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Barilius bendelisis from Central Himalaya, India

The study aimed to assess the effects of sex and season on hematological and serum biochemical indices of Barilius bendelisis. Hematological and biochemical results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among seasons as well as between sexes. In summer, hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte and WBC number were highest and significantly (p < 0.05) different between sexes. Differential WBC count also showed marked seasonal variation but do not show any significant difference (p < 0.05) between male and female. Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin was high in winter and low in summer. For males and females, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was high in summer, rainy, and low in winter season. Cholesterol level and low-density lipids were high in autumn and low in spring. High-density lipids (HDL) and very low-density lipids (VLDL) also fluctuated in different seasons with maximum HDL in both sexes in autumn. Maximum VLDL for male was observed in summer and in spring for female. Triglycerides were high in autumn and summer and low in spring. Throughout winter the total protein, albumin and globulin levels were highest. Glucose level was higher in summer and autumn whereas, lower in winter in both male and female respectively. This study revealed that the variation in seasonal environmental parameters have direct effect on the health status of B. bendelisis. The baseline data generated in this study will serve as a tool for fish physiologists and pathologists in monitoring the stress, health and nutritional status of B. bendelisis under aquaculture production.