Anaesthetic effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, baking soda) and its effect on Hematological parameters of three spotted tilapia (<italic>Oreochromis andersonii</italic>, Castelnau 1861) broodstock.

This study aimed to determine the optimal concentration of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and its effect on the Hematological parameters of three-spotted tilapia (<italic>Oreochromis andersonii</italic>) broodstock. Using a Completely Randomized Design, 150 broodstock (weight: 180 ± 10 g) were immersed in nine NaHCO3 concentrations (0–50 g/L) in triplicate. Induction and recovery times were recorded, and Red Blood Cells (RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), and Hemoglobin (Hb) were measured. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) were calculated. Induction time decreased and recovery time increased with higher NaHCO3 concentrations, without any mortality. A 10 g/L concentration only significantly affected RBC and PCV. At 45 and 50 g/L there were significant changes to MCH, while significant increase was observed at 10 and 15 g/L in Hb and WBC, respectively. The optimal concentrations established for routine handling in hatcheries were 30 and 35 g/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]