Reference values for selected hematological and serum biochemical parameters of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensisKaup, 1858) juveniles under intensive aquaculture conditions

Summary This work aims to establish normal reference intervals for selected hemato-biochemical parameters, based on their potential clinical relevance, and which may contribute to evaluating the health, nutritional and welfare status of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis Kaup, 1858) juveniles. Thirty-one healthy Senegalese sole juveniles grown under intensive aquaculture conditions were used in the study. Based on the robust method with Box–Cox transformation data the established reference intervals for hematological parameters were: hematocrit 12–26%, hemoglobin 2.8–6 g dl−1, erythrocytes 90–97.0% total, leucocytes 4–10% total; erythrocyte indices and differential leucocytes counts were also evaluated. Reference intervals for biochemical parameters were (g dl−1) glucose 19–86 mg dl−1, total protein 2.6–6.3, albumin 1–2.34, globulins 1.8–4.1, lipids 0.7–1.3, triglycerides 0.3–1.8, total cholesterol 0.1–0.9 g dl−1, HDL-cholesterol 4–65 mg dl−1, LDL-cholesterol 7–532 mg dl−1, sodium 124–202 mmol L−1), potassium 1.1–4.6 mmol L−1, calcium 7.6–13.2 mg L−1, magnesium 1.8–4.8 mg L−1, inorganic phosphorus 3.4–9.5 mg L−1, alkaline phosphatase 93–598 U L−1, aspartate aminotransferase 118–605 U L−1, lactate dehydrogenase 8.7–782 U L−1, and creatine phosphokinase 31.5–552 U L−1. This data is expected to provide a valuable tool to monitor the stress, health and nutritional conditions of Senegalese sole juveniles under aquaculture production.