The effect of transport on biochemical and haematological indices of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The effect of 12 h transport on the biochemical and haematological profiles of three-years-old common carp was investigated. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in ammonia, chloride, phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase, and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total proteins. The levels of glucose (P < 0.01), lactate (P < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.01) and calcium (P < 0.01) were also significantly changed, but no time-dependent relationships were found. Significant increases in haematocrit (P < 0.01) and metamyelocyte count (P < 0.05) were found. Mean corpuscular volume (P < 0.05) and counts of monocytes (P < 0.01), band neutrophils (P < 0.01) and segmented neutrophils (P < 0.05) were significantly changed independently of the transport duration. Since pre-transport manipulation and transport per se were found to be important stressors for three-years-old common carp, peri-transport disturbances should be minimized to ensure optimal fish welfare.