Lipid profile and blood by-products of deformed and healthy African mud catfish

Study was conducted to investigate lipid profile and metabolites in deformed (lost one or both pectoral fins) and healthy (both pectoral fins intact) African mud catfish C. gariepinus using three groups of adults male and female with a mean weight and standard length of 822.17~c 48.75g and 42.55~c.26cm respectively. The fish were allotted in replicates to 5000m capacity tanks based on the presence or absence of pectoral fins. 1mL blood was drawn from caudal peduncle of each fish by means of disposable sterile syringe and centrifuged at 1000rpm for 20min at 40C. Cholesterol and total protein were determined using the cholesterol FL (CT F400CH) and total protein (TP 0500CH) kits. Serum albumin and globulin concentrations were determined following methods described by Tietz (1995) and Buckley et al., (1976) while total serum bilirubin concentration was measured as outlined by AACC (American Association of Clinical Chemistry). Results indicate that male fish had relatively higher amount of triglyceride while female fish had higher amounts of cholesterol, reduction in globulin of the deformed fish, reduction in the concentrations of albumin in healthy fish, increase in total protein and globulin levels and high urea concentrations. No total bilurubin was detected in any of the fish sampled thus an indication of good liver function which means there was no liver dysfunction or liver damage in the fishes. It is evident therefore that abnormal fish can still perform better if they are given intense management because of the variability in their blood constituents with the normal fishes which is used to assess their health is minimal. Keywords: Blood, Cholesterol, Deformed, Healthy, C. gariepinus.

Includes:- 2 tables.;30 refs.