Characterization and Alleviation of Stress Associated with Hauling Largemouth Bass

Abstract

Stress and mortality associated with truck transport of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides were characterized during and after simulated hauling periods of up to 30 hours at a density of 180 g fish/liter of water. Generally, "transported" fish had significantly elevated concentrations of plasma glucose and corticosteroids and decreased plasma chloride concentrations and oso molality. Significant mortality was associated with hauls of 24 and 30 hours (38% and 83-92%, respectively). Plasma characteristics returned to near-normal values 3-28 days after being hauled; recovery time generally was related to length of haul and associated mortality. Stress was reduced significantly and mortality was eliminated when fish were treated for diseases, held 72 hours without food before they were loaded, anesthetized before they were loaded, hauled at a cool temperature in physiological concentrations of salts with an antibiotic and a mild anesthetic, and allowed to recover in the same medium less the anesthetic.

Sodium chloride added to transport water and physiological responses of Matrinxã Brycon amazonicus (Teleost: Characidae)

“…We cannot state that glucose levels did not change in those fish, because blood samples were not done during transportation, but if that happened the salt probably helped matrinxã to recover the initial condition during the transport period. The positive effect of salt added to the transport water in reducing plasma cortisol and blood glucose level has been demonstrated (Hattingh et al, 1975;Carmichael et al, 1984). However an increase in plasma cortisol was observed in striped bass Morone saxatilis transported in water with 10 g.l -1 of added salt (Harrell, 1992).…”

“…The blood glucose elevation is started and sustained by the action of adrenaline and cortisol on tissues such as liver and muscle. The greater the stress intensity, the longer the period required by fish to recover homeostasis and the resting condition (Carmichael et al, 1984;McDonald & Milligan, 1997;Sumpter, 1997;Iwama et al, 2006).…”

“…If the fish are not permitted enough time to recover completely after stress, a second stressor can be fatal (Carmichael, 1984).…”

“…Sodium chloride (salt) is one of the most used stress-reduce substances added to transport water for many fish species (Hattingh et al, 1975, Carmichael et al, 1984Carmichael & Tomasso, 1988, Weirich et al, 1992. The addition of salt to the water increases the salinity to levels similar to those of the fish blood, diminishing the ionic gradient (McDonald & Milligan, 1997) and metabolic and hormonal responses (Sumpter, 1997).…”

Use of external Indicators to Evaluate Stress of Largemouth (Micropterus salmoides) and Smallmouth (M. dolomieu) Bass at Tournaments

“…Stress levels can be influenced by a variety of factors including holding time *Address correspondence to this author at the Center for Earth and Environmental Science, SUNY Plattsburgh, USA; Tel: (860)859-7823; E-mail: galphonsemaynard@gmail.com [9], air exposure [10], livewell conditions [11], fish size [12], and water temperature [13]. Recovery time from physiological stress for a variety of fish species ranges from 8 to 12 hours, depending on post-release conditions [14].…”