The white sea bass, Centropomus undecimalis, is a species of fishing importance that inhabits coastal lagoons and river mouths during its juvenile stage. It is a species with high potential for cultivation, for which it is essential to monitor its nutritional and health status. In this work, clinical diagnostic analytical techniques were compared using blood to characterize nutritional status and physiological status.
36 organisms cultivated in the marine fish area of UNAM, Sisal Unit, were used. The fish were anesthetized (eugenol), and the blood sample was obtained by puncture in the caudal vein. Plasma metabolites were evaluated using clinical diagnostic kits, Accutrend Plus test and refractive index to compare the concentration of total protein, glucose, lactate, cholesterol, and acyl glycerides. Immunological status was also determined by hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and hemagglutinating activity. A paired analysis was performed to compare analytical techniques (diagnostic kits and test strips), and the effect of sample preservation time (fresh and 24 hours).
The results indicate that there is a significant effect by the type of evaluation, and also by the preservation time of the sample (p < 0.05). Thus, the results indicate a decrease in the concentration of metabolites and hemagglutinating activity in samples preserved in refrigeration, indicating that comparative studies should consider the analytical technique used, and also the preservation time of the sample in refrigeration.
The data obtained agree with values reported in wild organisms of the same species, indicating the possibility of using blood components as indicators of physiological status for nutritional studies and to monitor wild organisms.
Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the financial support of National Autonomous University of Mexico (PAPIIT IN217322; IT201621)