Determination of normal haematological parameters in turbot (Psetta maxima).

Abstract

Normal haematological parameters in turbot were determined from a sample of 10 fish. The fish were obtained from a commercial intensive fish farm ( Stolt Sea Farm). Erythrocytes and leukocytes/thrombocytes numbers were estimated through cell counting in a Neubauer chamber, and the leukocyte/thrombocyte population was differentiated in blood smears. Erythrocytes number was 1.76x10⁹ ml ¹ ( 93 % of total cell population) and leukocytes/thrombocytes number was 1.32x10⁸ ml ¹ ( 7 % of total). In the differential counting, t hrombocytes and granulocytes were 56% and lymphocytes 44%. The results were precise and accurate, however, not sufficient to establish a reference interval because the sample size was too small. Determining normal haematological parameters is important for disease research and is the first step for using haematology in the future as a diagnostic tool in turbot health control.