Hematological parameters of bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, fed different commercial rations

Abstract

The present work evaluated possible alterations on the hematological parameters of bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, fed with four commercial rations. The rations presented analyzed crude protein varying from 41.36% to 45.5% and gross energy varying from 4,143 kcal/kg to 4,481 kcal/kilogram. Six hundred bullfrogs with initial medium weight ranging from 12.6 g to 28.0 g were used. Blood samplings were made monthly, during five months, for evaluations of the hematocrit, counting of erythrocytes and leucocytes, and differential counting of leucocytes. In the experimental conditions of the work, there was not observed expressive feeding effect on the hematological parameters of Rana catesbeiana, however there were registered alterations in erythrocytes number and total leucocytes and basophiles percentage in the different samplings. The diversity of results found for a same parameter in the consulted papers emphasizes the need of accomplishment of futures works for the establishment of basal values of the hematological parameters of the studied species.