Packed Cell Volume and Total Protein in Nile Tilapia Raised in Fish Ponds in Anambra State

Aquaculture in Anambra State, South East Nigeria, has expanded significantly as a strategy for food security and income generation. Nile tilapia represents the most cultivated species in the region due to its hardiness and rapid growth rate. Monitoring haematological parameters in farmed fish provides valuable insights into health status, nutritional adequacy, and stress responses within pond environments. This study determined packed cell volume, total protein, white blood cell count, and differential leucocyte count in Nile tilapia raised in earthen and concrete ponds in Awka and Onitsha in Anambra State. Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein of 80 fish, 40 from each pond type, using a syringe pre-coated with heparin. Packed cell volume was measured by the microhaematocrit method, and total protein was determined by refractometry. Mean PCV was significantly higher in earthen pond fish at 34.1 percent compared to 28.6 percent in concrete pond fish. Total protein values were 4.8 g/dL and 4.1 g/dL respectively. Fish from concrete ponds showed higher heterophil counts, potentially indicating chronic environmental stress. Water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and ammonia were concurrently monitored and showed significant differences between pond types. These findings suggest that pond type influences haematological indices in tilapia and should be considered when interpreting blood results in aquaculture diagnostics. Keywords: Nile tilapia, packed cell volume, aquaculture, Anambra, pond type.