The influence of sex and season on some hematological and biochemical parameters of snow trout Schizothorax labiatus in the Indian Himalayan Region

Abstract

Snow trout Schizothorax labiatus constitute a significant part of the diet of large human population of colder regions of the Indian Himalayan subcontinent, and are also important for local livelihoods there. In the present study, the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of S. labiatus were examined with respect to sex and season. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count and hematocrit (Hct) were higher in males than females in each season, while white blood cell (WBC) count were notably higher in females. A significant difference (P   0.05) between erythrocyte indices with respect to sex and season. Serum biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol and urea) differed significantly (P   0.05) were observed in biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin and globulin) with respect to sex, although the highest values of all serum biochemical parameters were reported during the summer and the lowest values during the winter. The data reported here on the influence of sex and season on hematological and biochemical parameters of S. labiatus inhabiting the Sindh River could provide a reliable basis for the future monitoring of the health status of this fish.