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Metabolism, a manifestation specific to life, represents the set of physical and chemical processes through which living matter achieves continuous renewal to function and organize the specific activity. The physical-chemical composition of goat milk is conditioned by breed, individuality, area, and age. This study analyzes the physical-chemical composition of milk from a population of Carpathian goat breed, in the first seven postpartum days (first, third, and seventh day) according to age (primiparous and multiparous) to observe the physical-chemical changes from colostrum to milk. The physical-chemical parameters analyzed were: fat (g/100 g); protein (g/100 g); casein (g/100 g); lactose (g/100 g); solid non-fat - SNF (g/100 g); total dry matter (g/100 g); pH; freezing point (FP); urea mg/dl; somatic cells count - SCC/ml x 1000; total bacteria count - TBC/ml x 1000. Results highlight the intense changes that occur at the physico-chemical level of goat's milk to cover the nutritional requirements of the newborn goat and indicate the health status of the mammary gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major difficulties of frog farming is providing adequate food in the first few weeks after the metamorphosis. This is a critical time frame, with rapid growth and high mortality. The established feeder insect species used throughout this delicate stage (cricket and mealworm larvae, adult fruit flies) are suitable from a trophic perspective, but present challenges and difficulties that influence the production costs. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of an alternative feeder species - Alphitobius piceus - with a simpler production technology and a lower production cost. Two species of feeder insect were used: the conventionally used Acheta domestica larvae as control species, and Alphitobius piceus larvae as experimental species. As model anuran we used the European common frog, Rana temporaria. The experimental insect species was easily accepted and produced a strong feeding response in the post-metamophic frogs. There were no significant differences between the control and experimental groups in terms of body condition index and mortality, however survival was better in the experimental group. This similarity indicates a high potential of Alphitobius piceus as feeder species for the newly metamorphosed frogs and also a good economic opportunity for frog farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to highlight the influence of anticoagulants on erythrocyte morphometry in different vertebrate species. Anticoagulants are a category of substances that inhibit blood clotting through various mechanisms. Due to this property, they are used to collect blood samples for a wide range of laboratory tests. The literature mentions that the use of anticoagulants produces morphological changes of erythrocytes, thus influencing results. Blood samples were collected from three warm-blooded vertebrate species (horse, rabbit, and chicken) and one lower vertebrate species with nucleated erythrocytes (fish) in vacutainers with Heparin and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), in a normal concentration and a double concentration. At the time of harvesting, control smears were performed. In order to be able to compare the effects produced by anticoagulants on the morphology of erythrocytes, they were evaluated morphometrically at intervals of 3, 6, and 24 hrs. after harvest. The following features were evaluated using the Toup View software: length, width, surface and perimeter of erythrocytes for species with anucleated erythrocytes. The same characteristics were evaluated in the nucleus for species with nucleated erythrocytes. The data obtained were processed with statistical programs to highlight changes in erythrocyte morphology produced by anticoagulants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Biomarker indices (protein, lipid, carbohydrate, mineral, enzymatic, and antioxidant enzymes) are used for the evaluation of health in fish blood. No studies conducted to date have provided standard values of various biomarkers in the blood plasma of Hucho hucho (Linnaeus, 1758). Therefore, we evaluated the physiological status and seasonal variation in metabolic profiles of this species. Significant seasonal changes were observed in all blood biomarkers, with the exception of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Using these data, the physiological status and seasonal variation in the metabolic profiles of H. hucho were evaluated. Generally, the goal of this study was to characterize the variation in the blood biomarkers of huchen between different seasons. Materials and methods. Fish were raised in captivity to obtain a breeding group to repopulate submontane rivers. Blood samples were collected by puncture of the caudal vein in a vacutainer with Li-Heparin to determine the seasonal values of hematological, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress. Blood was collected from a random sample of 10 huchen in all four seasons. Results. We found significant seasonal variation in several parameters: packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), -globulins (GG), urea (UREA), creatinine (CRN), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLC), calcium (Ca2+), phosphorus (PO4 3-), iron (Fe3+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl aminotransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), a-Amylase (a-Amy), lipase (LIP), total bilirubin (TB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Conclusion. This is the first study to provide standard values of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals and the enzyme profile in huchen in all seasons, which may be a benchmark for future investigation that would favor the bioconservation and increase the spread of huchen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we analysed the shape and topography of venomous glands in Brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) through MRI investigations. The main reason of this investigation was to provide a better understanding of the defence mechanism of this species. The presence, topography and structure of venomous glands made brown bullhead one of the top invasive species spreading its habitat worldwide. The specimens were collected from Stejeriş Lake, Cluj County. MRI investigations were conducted within the National Center for Magnetic Resonance (NCMR), Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Physics. For anatomical investigations, RARE (Rapid Acquisition with Refocused Echoes) and Turbo RARE High Resolution protocols were used, based on the echo-type RF pulse sequence. In transversal sections, organs, blood vessels, and bone formations appear unchanged in shape, size, appearance and location. For the studied species, the venomous glands, together with the first radius of the pectoral and dorsal fins, as well as the muscular fascicles attached to the radius, are forming the venomous apparatus. Triangular positioning of pectoral and dorsal spines and also of their afferent venomous glands represents an efficient defensive mechanism against aquatic, terrestrial and aerial predators. Using MRI techniques for anatomical investigations of venomous glands in Brown bullhead proved to be very precise both in identifying the shape and the topography of the venomous glands. Also by using MRI techniques we highlighted the complex defence mechanism that Brown bullhead has developed against its natural predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring fish fauna in altered aquatic habitats may provide relevant information regarding the distribution, presence or absence, and dynamics of fish species. Someşul Cald River is the main tributary of Beliş-Fântânele Reservoir and Dam, build from 1970 to 1974. The presence of the dam could have affected fish fauna, especially potamodromous brown trout Salmo trutta and European grayling Thymallus thymallus because of habitat obstruction. Altitude, riverbed width, water depth, and water velocity are easy to determine aquatic environmental parameters. River altitude and riverbed width played an important role in European grayling preference regarding the auspicious environment. Correlation coefficients showed that increasing altitude is a limiting factor for European grayling (r=-6024*, p<0.05). Wider riverbed is preferred by the same species (r=0.672*, p<0.05). Beliş-Fântânele Dam blocked the migration of fish and made the grayling ecological zone framed by two trout ecological zone (upstream and downstream). The distribution range on the altitude of the brown trout in Someşul Cald River was from 518.5m to 1153.5m and 577.5m to 1068.5m for the European grayling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we analyzed fish species composition and diversity indices of Iara River (Cluj County). A total number of 189 specimens belonging to 9 species and 4 families were caught, using single pass electrofishing techniques. A total number of 11 sampling sectors were established. Our results were compared to previous studies and show changes in species distribution and diversity indices, due to environmental changes caused by climate changes and anthropic activities. We noticed the absence of the Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and Stone loach (Barbatula barbatula) mentioned in previous studies, and the first record of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) in Iara River catchment. Also, the Caps dam (Iara -- Fântânele deviation) blocks the upstream migration of Common bullhead (Cottus gobio). The calculated diversity indices (Shannon H', Simpson 1-D, Margalef Md, Berger-Parker d and Evenness J') show a low species diversity. This is the result of intense anthropic activities such as deforestation, dam construction and habitat fragmentation, even though the upper sector of Iara River is integrated in Natura 2000 protection areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of fish meat in Romania is on an upward trend, due to the establishment of salmonid units on the territory of the country. The trout's commercialization is mainly in fresh or chilled form, but for the diversification of the products offered to the market, it is also sold in preserved form, either by salting or by smoking. The analyses performed on the chemical composition of trout meat were as follows: water content, dry matter, fat content, protein content, non-nitrogenous extractive substances and minerals The chemical analysis was made in all phases of the technological flow of conservation by smoking: fresh meat, salted meat, desalted meat and smoked meat throughout the technological flow for the Rainbow and Brook trout species, reared in the fish farm. Therefore, the chemical analyses of the meat pointed out that the highest percentage of water content is found in the Rainbow trout comparative to Brook trout in all stages of the technological flow. On the contrary, the dry matter content was higher in the Brook than in Rainbow trout. As for the fat content we noticed that the Brook trout registered higher values than the Rainbow trout. For the protein content, the obtained values were quite close to both species of salmonids. Both Rainbow trout and Brook trout traditionally smoked meat registered values that are within the limits cited in the scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality parameters determines the success or the failure of a fish culture operation, so any proper-prepared plan for aquaculture must describe the quality and quantity of water available for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical water parameters in Rainbow trout culture, in the summer season from three salmonid farms, due to the environmental changes that are nowadays happening and affect the fish culture operation. The water samples were collected from Bistria-Năsăud County, from three trout farms: Strâmba, oimul de Jos and Fiad, in the summer of 2018, between May and August. For the determination of water parameters (dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity and resistivity, pH, temperature, salinity) was used the Hanna HI 9828/4- 01 Multi-Parameter and for the chemical parameters (total ammonia, nitrates, nitrites) samples were transferred to the USAMV laboratories. The samples collection was made in each farm from three different places: catchment, basins and evacuation water areas. The results of the study showed that the parameters observed from the three farms were different, with major differences in month of July and August. The environment of fish aquaculture is a complex system with critical parameters as are the temperature, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, nitrite and ammonia. However, the temperature and the dissolved oxygen are the most important parameter, requiring continuous monitoring in aquaculture production systems, due to the fish aerobic metabolism which requires an elevated level of dissolved oxygen at optimum temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hematological and biochemical profile is important to study because it provides important information on animal health. Changing the parameters beyond the normal limits negatively affects the production and quality of milk. Hematological and biochemical parameters were influenced by season, age, sex, lactation, animal nutrition and maintenance system. The total protein was in average 55.44 ± 5.14g/l in the summer season, and 76.92 ± 2.82 g/l in the winter season. Creatinine registered an average values of 99.55 ± 3.57 µmol/L in summer, while in winter was 112.00 ± 6.59 µmol/L. Cholesterol is an important parameter for the body, and his changes give us important information about the major disturbances that occur in the body. This parameter was significantly influenced by the season and it was 1.82 ± 0.14 mmol/L for summer and 1.95 ± 0.06 mmol/L in winter. The LYM in the summer season had an average value of 49.96 ± 2.72%, while in the winter season was 59.92 ± 2.19%. The values of hematological and biochemical parameters obtained in our study fall within the characteristic limits of donkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of modern goat breeding systems implies the addition of the classical methods used to improve the genetic potential with methods of appreciation of the hereditary base and their productive capacity. The purpose of this paper was to highlight the particularities of the evolution of the body weight from birth to the weaning of the kids goat Carpathian and kids goat breeds (Saanen male and Carpathian female), established according to three main factors: parturition type, the sex of the kid goat and the status physiology of the mother goats. The study was conducted in a farm in the Trascău mountains area, locality Rimetea, county of Alba, during January-June 2019, where we monitored daily: the body weight and sex of kids goat at birth, type of birth and the age of the parturients. The working method consisted of daily monitoring and weighing the kids goat studied with an electronic scale with an accuracy of: 5 g (0.5 g-10 kg); 10 g (10-50 kg). The obtained results have been statistically processed, being beneficial in making faster and more efficient decisions in the selection and improvement process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemical parameters of the blood give us clues about the health of the animals. In the animals studied, the biochemical parameters fall within the normal limits. The biochemical parameters of the blood are influenced by lactation as follows: ALT (U/L), has the highest average values in lactation 2 (14.18 ± 0.55 U/L), and in lactation 4 (15.71 ± 0.21 U/L). AST (U/L) in lactation I showed the lowest values, 244 ± 5.01 (U/L) and 256.28 ± 2.85 (U/L) in lactation IV. Total protein (g/L) varied in the range 61.28 ± 3.36 (g/L) lactation I and lactation IV, 67.86 ± 1.96 (g/L). Total bilirubin (mmol/L), in lactation I is 7.33 ± 0.57 (mmol/L) and in IV lactation 8.61 ± 0.43 (mmol/L). Magnesium behaves similar to total bilirubin having the lowest values in lactation I, 0.72 ± 0.05 (mmol/L) and 0.83 ± 0.04 (mmol/L) in lactation IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very important to analyze the hematological and biochemical profile in the donkey during the colostrum period, because these changes that bring us information about the health of the animals. The data obtained during the colostral period were compared with those obtained during the lactation period. The biochemical parameters have a high average value on the first postpartum day (the highest values) and they decrease on day 5 postpartum. On day 30, it can be observed that all biochemical parameters of the blood have lower mean values, some similar to those obtained from donkeys from lactations 1-4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that influence the hematological profile of the donkeys are: nutrition, reproduction, season, lactation, parturition, maintenance and animal health. Knowing the hematological parameters represents a breakthrough in the development of work programs and nutritional programs in the donkey farms and greatly helps the possibility of the conservation of the donkeys, a species that until now has been neglected in our country. For haematological parameters, significant changes can be observed under the influence of lactation as follows: WBC (G/L) may have a lower mean average in lactation I, (9.66 ± 0.56) and further in lactation, reaching a higher value average in lactation IV (13.57 ± 0.80). Hb (g/L) behaves similar to WBC, reaching the highest average values in IV lactation, (131.30 ± 3.56). LYM (%) in lactation I, (38.72 ± 0.69) and in lactation 2, 3 and 4 similar average values. MON (%) manifests thus, under the influence of lactation, having an interval between (1.14 ± 0.16), lactation I and (1.42 ± 0.17) in lactation IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donkey milk is a complex food, beneficial to the human body. It is widely used in the treatment of food allergies and in the nutrition of children suffering from various diseases. Donkey milk was analyzed to assess the level of heavy metals under the influence of lactation. Lactation has influenced the amount of heavy metals. Heavy metals were present in the highest quantities in lactation 4 and the lowest in lactation 1. The following heavy metals in donkey milk were analyzed: Cu, Pb, Fe, Zn, Na, Mg, Al and Cu. The analyzed heavy metals show the highest average values in lactation 4: Fe (1.98 ± 0.03), (Zn 2.03 ± 0.01), Na (192 ± 1.91), Mg (44.72 ± 0.71), Al (5.49 ± 0.20) and Mg (44.72 ± 0.71). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anesthetics are widely used in fish farming. Their purpose is to reduce the mobility and stress of fishes due to manipulation. In the present study we tested the efficiency of clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) in different doses [4.70 mL anesthetic/50 liter of water (0.094 mL/Lwater); 2.36 mL anesthetic/50 liter of water (0.0472 mL/Lwater); 1.82 mL anesthetic/50 liter of water (0.0364 mL/Lwater)] in carp (Cyprinus carpio) and in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) with different body mass. Anesthesia induction times were monitored. At each of these stages the respiratory rate was monitored by recording the opercular movements. The results show a direct correlation between the fish size and the induction times of anesthesia. Regardless of species, larger and heavier specimens require longer periods for anesthesia. Instead, recovery times in larger-body specimens were shorter. Different doses have influenced the duration of anesthesia induction and recovery times, the most effective dose being 4.70 mL/50 liter of water followed by 2.36 mL/50 liter of water. The dose of 1.82 mL/50 liter of water did not induce anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The body temperatures of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss were monitored from June through August 2018 in three trout farms from Bistrița-Năsăud County (Romania). The body temperature was measured from 3 different regions of the body: head, trunk (epaxial and hypaxial muscle region) and caudal peduncle. Body temperatures were compared to the basins water temperature. The lowest water temperature in the basins was recorded in May and June, in Șoimul de Jos farm, and the highest temperature in Fiad farm. In July, Strâmba farm, recorded the highest water temperature, and in August, Fiad farm. In all farms studied, the body temperature of the trout was higher than that of the basins water temperature regardless of the studied region. The highest differences between the basins water and body temperature in farms were found in the caudal peduncle and epaxial muscle regions, due to their role in locomotor mechanism. This is due to the high growth density, the feeding and the intensification of metabolism, with energy release, as well as a much higher level of stress than that encountered in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the physico-chemical composition of the wine allows it to be authenticated and to detect the frauds that can be encountered in marketed wines. The physico-chemical analysis of wine is the basis for controlling and observing the technological flow of wine production. It is also necessary to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of wine as there is a close link between the sensory characteristics and the chemical composition of the final product. The raw material and the harvest year significantly influence the final composition of the wine. The temperature and precipitations of the raw material harvest year significantly influence the chemical composition of the wine. Tartaric acid varies between 2.51 ± 0.05 and 2.82 ± 0.04 for red Merlot dry wines. The mean values for malic acid are between 1.01 ± 0.04 and 1.57 ± 0.03. The average citric acid values range from 0.19 ± 0.01 to 0.24 ± 0.01 for red Merlot dry wines. These values correspond to the average values reported by other authors in the literature. The purpose of this study was to characterize the content of tartaric, malic, citric and lactic acid in dry red Merlot wine, as well as sensory and physico-chemical properties according to the year of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffalo milk due to its high fat content from the energy point of view is more valuable compared to cow's milk. The percentage of fat varies depending on the stage of lactation, season, individual, health, animal age and diet. The study of the chemical composition and the antioxidant capacity of buffalo milk is required for both scientific and technological considerations, given the importance of this type of milk in the consumer's diet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the physico-chemical composition of buffalo milk by lactation. Buffalo milk can have different qualities, so the quality of buffalo milk is also determined by its content in its components (protein, fat, lactose, vitamins, fatty acids, water content, antioxidant capacity). The physicochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity were influenced by lactation, presenting the highest values in lactations III and IV. During lactation I, parameters such as fat, protein and lactose showed a content of 7.88, 4.35 and 4.71%, respectively. Furthermore, in lactation IV, fat, protein and lactose had increased, showing the content of these parameters as follows 9.53, 4.68 and 4.77%. Antioxidant capacity of buffalo milk showed the highest numbers in lactation III (360.1) and IV, 358.9 µg/ml. From all of the analyzed parameters, only total dry substance content presented the most increased values 18.9% in lactation I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donkey milk is used as an alternative source in the diet of young children and newborns due to the similar composition to breast milk. The donkey milk is considered to be a functional food by the chemical composition it presents, thus being beneficial in the nutrition of people suffering from food allergies. The chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the donkey milk are significantly influenced by lactation and also by the lactation period. Donkey milk has a low fat content compared to other species and high lactose content. These parameters are influenced by the variables such as: lactation, animal age, and feeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lactation on the antioxidant capacity and physicochemical compounds in the donkey milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, wild mushrooms are considered are an excellent source of valuable nutritional compounds but can exert toxic potential due to the accumulation of heavy metals. In the present study the basic physicochemical composition (fat, protein, and moisture) and heavy metal content profile (Pb, Cd, Cs) of two popular edible wild mushrooms of the species Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius harvested from the forests of Vatra Dorna, Romania were determined. Both investigated mushrooms samples demonstrated a good protein source with the means ranged from 1.58-2.91. In addition, analyzed mushrooms showed a low-fat content presenting values of 0.41- 0.45. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS) presents heavy metal content from B. edulis and C. cibarius samples ranged from 0.9 - 0.12 for Pb and 0.16 - 0.25 for Cd, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donkey milk is considered a substitute for breast milk. Because of its nutritional and compositional properties it is very close to breast milk. Equine asinus can be considered suitable for feeding newborns, against cow's milk, which can cause intolerance. We determined the physico-chemical parameters of donkey milk with CombiFoss FT. The total germ count (TNG) was analyzed by BactoScan and the total number of somatic cells (TNS) by Fossomatic FC. Determination of heavy metals in milk was performed by mass spectrometry to identify Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn. Heavy metals are present in the environment but also in food and can cause serious health problems to the consumer. For the consumer, the main source of cadmium exposure is the food they consume, water and smoking. Cd contamination of dairy milk may also be due to the use of Cd-based chemicals, fertilizers, feed and waste water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study is to identify the reproductive performance of the Merino of Cluj sheep according to their age and physiological status. The sheep breeding activity of the SDE-USAMV Cluj-Napoca, under study, takes place under the conditions of the natural season of mating and is described by the structure of the entire live stock in operation, pursued for eight years. To determine the reproductive skills of sheep, the following were taken into account: sexual maturity, repetition of the sexual cycle, reproduction indices and sterility. The dynamics of breeding performance in females of Merino of Cluj, according to their age, was established by monitoring 18 breeding indexes, the most important ones being: fertility, fecundity, birth rate and abortion index. Following the calculation of reproduction indices, medium values were obtained, 96% for fertility, 92% for fecundity, 96% for birth rate and 4% for abortion index. In relation to these indices, we observe maintenance in normal values over the years of study regardless the sheep's age and the fluctuations are thought to be due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological stress response of Brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) was studied under laboratory conditions. This species is well known for the resistance and adaptability t°environmental factors. In this sense, metabolic and hematologic profiles were determined for low (6°C), medium (18°C) and high (31°C) water temperatures. An increase in blood cell numbers (RBC, WBC) and hematocrit (Ht) was determined under high temperature conditions, as a response t°low dissolved oxygen. Platelet count (PLT) remained relatively constant regardless of the water temperature. The metabolic profiles showed significant and very significant differences for most of the analyzed indices. The differences were due t°variations in temperature that influenced appetite and ingestion of feed, respectivelly the respiratory function by vasoconstriction or hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline of amphibian populations has promoted ex situ conservation actions as one of the tools used to address this problem. Environmental enrichment techniques used in combination with the ex situ conservation protocols can increase the survival rate and the overall success of reintroduction programs. In this study we assessed the preference of post metamorphic Bufo bufo juveniles for seven different shelter types and their ecologically relevant characteristics in controlled laboratory conditions. We found that shelters commonly used in other studies (e.g. plastic cup, pvc pipe, ceramic clay pipe and clay tile) on frogs and toads were not suitable for B. bufo. In our experiment, toadlets presented a higher interest in shelters that provided the widest angle of vision, direct contact with moist substrate and green colour. Our results suggest that designing captive enclosures should always consider providing shelters that meet the species-specific ecological needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in environment induce adaptive variation in phenotypic traits of individuals. Therefore, isolated populations can be accurately defined by specific divergent characteristics. Using morphometric measurements and individual weight we assessed body fitness and specific features for three geographically isolated populations of Austropotamobius torrentium in Romania. All populations had a good ecological condition with specific differences between sexes. Also, small differences occur between the condition of the populations probably, due to specific habitat features. We found significant differences between chelae and cephalothorax size in relation to total length of individuals for all three populations. These differences were seemingly correlated with altitude, water velocity and shelter stability. In-habitat distribution of individuals is linked to their size. Larger individuals occupy the most stable shelters all across the studied sections. Also, higher water flows were populated mostly by the largest individuals, probably due to their adaptability to higher currents. The present study contributes to the knowledge on ecological fitness, morphometric variation and in-situ scattering of A. torrentium. This is an important step in evaluation of conservation measures needed for the protection of the previous mentioned species in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]