The effect of transport on biochemical and haematological indices of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The effect of 12 h transport on the biochemical and haematological profiles of three-year-old common carp was investigated. There was a significant increase in ammonia, chloride, phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase, and a significant decrease in total proteins. The levels of glucose, lactate, alanine aminotransferase and calcium were also significantly changed, but no time-dependent relationships were found. Significant increases in haematocrit and metamyelocyte count were found. Mean corpuscular volume and counts of monocytes, band neutrophils and segmented neutrophils were significantly changed independently of the transport duration. Since pre-transport manipulation and transport per se were found to be important stressors for three-year-old common carp, peri-transport disturbances should be minimized to ensure optimal fish welfare.