Supplementary oxygen and temperature management during live transportation of greenlip abalone,Haliotis laevigata(Donovan, 1808)

Abstract

Live greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata, are highly valued in Australian export markets with demand increasingly being met with cultured stock. Live transportation of abalone requires the maintenance of favourable conditions within transport containers for periods exceeding 35 h. We examined the combined effects of temperature regulation (ice provision) and of supplemental oxygen (60% and 100% concentrations) on mortality rates of abalone over 7 days following a 35‐h simulated live‐transport experiment. We also examined the physiological condition of greenlip abalone (oxygen consumption rate, haemolymph pH and weight) during the simulation experiment. The provision of ice and supplementary oxygen reduced abalone mortalities. Omission of ice and supplementary oxygen during the transport simulation resulted in mortality rates ranging from 70% to 100%. The addition of ice to containers with ambient oxygen concentrations decreased average mortality rates by 50%. While supplementary oxygen further reduced these rates, the provision of both ice and 100% oxygen was by far the most effective combination, reducing mortalities to between 2% and 6%. Supplementary oxygen increased oxygen consumption rates of abalone above those transported at ambient oxygen concentrations. Live‐transport decreased haemolymph pH in all treatments but was most pronounced in treatments without ice or supplementary oxygen. On average, abalone lost 7–13% of their weight during the simulation but this loss was independent of transport treatment.

Effects of air exposure on the lysosomal membrane stability of haemocytes in blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra (Leach)

“…These results suggest that extended periods of exposure at higher air temperature produce a stronger impact on abalone. These results are also consistent with the finding of Bubner and Harris (2005) in their study on simulated live transport of greenlip abalone ( H. laevigata ) over 35 h. They observed that the mortality levels (approximately 40%) in abalone packed with ice in air were significantly lower than those (approximately 90%) packed in air only, further showing that lower air temperatures can lessen the physiological impact of extended exposure periods on abalone.…”

Gastrointestinal evacuation time, but not nutrient digestibility, of greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata Donovan, is affected by water temperature and age

“…Few purging times are provided in literature for abalone species, although those that include purging times prior to experimentation, involving transport, report a purging period of 2-3 days (Bubner et al, 2009;Sales, 2001). Based on this study the recommended purging times would be any time after the maximum GIE time was recorded in relation to both temperature and age (Figs.…”

Effects of environmental and farm stress on abalone physiology: perspectives for abalone aquaculture in the face of global climate change

“…Supplemental oxygen and ice packs for temperature regulation have also improved survival rates (Bubner et al . ; Buen‐Ursua & Ludevese ). Changes in temperature during live transport would be expected to have similar effects as it does in water, that is changes in metabolic rate, growth rate, anaerobic metabolism, cellular damage, immune function, etc.…”

“…Firstly, animals are starved for 2-3 days to prevent defecation (Sales & Britz 2001), but there is also evidence that starved abalone survive better than fed animals (Watanabe et al 1994). Supplemental oxygen and ice packs for temperature regulation have also improved survival rates (Bubner et al 2009;Buen-Ursua & Ludevese 2011). Changes in temperature during live transport would be expected to have similar effects as it does in water, that is changes in metabolic rate, growth rate, anaerobic metabolism, cellular damage, immune function, etc.…”