Anaesthetic Efficacy of Sodium Bicarbonate and its Effects on the Blood Parameters of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Abstract

Anaesthetic efficacy of Sodium bicarbonate (NaHC₀₃) and its effects on haematology of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in five different concentrations [0.00 g/L (control), 50.00, 100.00, 150.00 and 200.00 g/L] were determined in two sizes: juvenile (mean length 26.64 cm ± 3.11SD; mean weight 356.21 g ± 12.91SD) and adult (mean length 52.13 cm ± 12.91SD; mean weight 1100.38 g ± 41.61SD). Fish were exposed in each concentration by immersion. Generally, induction time decreased, while recovery time increased as the concentrations of the sodium bicarbonate increased. Also, the induction and the recovery times increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing body weight. Fish survival was higher in the adult when compared with juvenile sizes. Furthermore, the effects of sodium bicarbonate on the haematological parameters indicated a reduction in the values of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), oxygen carrying capacity (OCC), thrombocytes (Thromb), lymphocytes (Lymp) and mean corposcular haemoglobin cencentration (MCHC), while the values of white blood cells (WBC), monocytes (Mon), neutrophils (NEUT), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were elevated. These alterations were more pronounced at higher concentrations of 150 and 200 g/L of the chemical.

Key Words: Anaesthetics, aquaculture, stress, baking soda, Clarias gariepinus