Effect of environmental and physiological variables on saliva production in Hirudinaria granulosa (Indian cattle leech)

Rhythmicity in the saliva production of leech Hirudinaria granulosa has not been evaluated. This is, possibly, first effort to evaluate amount under different environmental and physiological variables. A total 90 leeches were divided into six groups (n=15) elucidate variation based on temperature, body weight, time period. Significantly (P≤0.01) higher volume was produced (2.23±0.10) at a temperature 37 oC compared that 25 (1.53±0.11). Based significantly (2.52±0.05) by large group (≥0.4g weight) as smaller (1.66±0.08) with bodyweight (≤0.3g weight). In addition, Pre-feeding post feeding weight (n=30) revealed high correlation 0.962 0.870. Evaluation periodicity morning hours (2.32 ±0.09) evening (2.01±0.10). Thus, our study concluded relatively more elevated weight. Therefore, infers biological rhythms granulosa.