Hematology and blood biochemistry profile of the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae as a tool for population assessment in artificial environments

Abstract

Hematological and blood biochemical reference information is important to establish physiological status of freshwater stingray populations and improve care and management protocols in artificial environments. Here, we used a commercial freshwater stingray with high mortality rates in the market (Potamotrygon magdalenae), as an example to understand how artificial environments and handling protocols influence physiological status of captive freshwater stingrays. To this purpose, blood from five adult males and six adult females was collected to perform complete blood counts and blood chemistry analyses. All sampled animals showed good body condition with no differences between sexes. Differences between sexes were only found for the differential count of lymphocytes. Red blood results were consistent with previously studied potamotrygonids while white blood results showed higher values of leukocytes, thrombocytes, heterophils and lymphocytes in P. magdalenae compared to other Potamotrygonids. All types of leukocytes described for elasmobranchs were found except neutrophils and basophils. Blood metabolites showed an influence of ex situ diet in total protein, triglycerides and cholesterol. Glucose results were consistent while urea showed lower levels than those recorded for other freshwater stingrays. These results highlight the importance of physical, physiological and health analysis in freshwater stingrays as a part of welfare assessment to improve monitoring protocols and survival rates in public or private aquaria.

Hematological and plasma biochemical profile of two species of freshwater stingrays from the Amazon

“…Several factors can interfere with hematological parameters, making establishing the reference blood range for a given species di cult. In addition to endogenous factors, such as sex, size and stage of development, exogenous factors, such as the physicochemical properties of water, habitat and dietary habits, can also in uence the hematological properties of aquatic organisms (Oliveira et al 2015(Oliveira et al , 2016(Oliveira et al , 2017Pérez-Rojas et al 2022). The signi cant intra-and interspeci c variation and the interference of environmental variables on the hematological parameters of stingrays make it impossible to extrapolate the data present in the literature to other species of the Potamotrygoninae subfamily (Oliveira et al 2015;Brito et al 2015).…”

Upper thermal tolerance and population implications for the Magdalena River stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae

“…The reproductive strategy of P. magdalenae consists of early sexual maturity, high fecundity, small offspring, and likely a continuous reproductive cycle (Mejía‐Falla et al, 2016). Furthermore, various studies on the biology, physiology, and ecology of P. magdalenae have been conducted (Anaya‐López & Ramírez‐Pinilla, 2017; Castañeda et al, 2021; Lizcano‐Gutiérrez, 2022; Márquez‐Velásquez et al, 2019; Mejía‐Falla et al, 2016; Ogawa & Hirano, 1982; Pedreros‐Sierra et al, 2016; Pedreros‐Sierra & Ramírez‐Pinilla, 2015; Pérez‐Rojas et al, 2020; Ramos‐Socha & Grijalba‐Bendeck, 2011; Singer & Ballantyne, 1989; Teshima & Hara, 1983; Teshima & Takeshita, 1992). However, to date, there has not been any research of this species' thermal biology.…”

Comparisons of Hematological and Biochemical Profiles in Brahman and Yunling Cattle

“…At present, there have been many studies utilizing the hematological and biochemical parameters for animal breeding selection [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Hematological and biochemical profiles are one of the most sensitive indicators that reflect the physiology, health and metabolic conditions of cattle, as they have important reference values on the production performance and adaptability of cattle.…”