Effect of starvation on oxygen consumption and some blood parameters of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted using 48 fish, common carp Cyprinus carpio L. (averageweight 41.51±3.51 g). Fish were distributed on 6 aquaria each one represents a starvation periodand contained 8 individuals. After two weeks of acclimatization on commercial diet to reduceindividual differences in nutritional status, fish were exposed to starvation periods (2, 4, 6, 8, and10 weeks). Fish weighed every two weeks with the sample of 5 fish for measurements of someblood parameters (Haematocrit PCV, haemoglobin Hb, total number of erythrocytes and leukocytescount, total protein, plasma glucose level) and the rate of oxygen and energy consumption. Bodyweight rates decreased gradually as a direct result of the starvation process. All the studied parametersexcept for plasma glucose level decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) after six weeks of starvation,and the decrease continued to the end of experiment which lasted for ten weeks.