There has been a very meager study on the effect of age on the haemobiochemical
performance of rainbow trout at different ages. The present investigation
focused on the age specific changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters
in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Blood samples collected from 6, 9, 12, 15 and
18 month-old trout (n = 30 for each age) revealed varying results. Values for PCV and
RBC indices were significantly lower, and plasma protein concentration was
significantly higher in younger fish. Total WBC and lymphocyte counts were
significantly higher in fish at 6 and 9 months of age, while neutrophil and monocytes
counts were higher at 6, 9, 12 and 15 months. Eosinophil counts were significantly
higher in 9 month old fish. Values for most biochemical analytes were significantly
different among age groups except for creatinine and potassium concentration.