The effect of transport on biochemical and haematological indices of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The effect of 12 h transport on the biochemical and haematological profiles of three-years-old common carp was investigated. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in ammonia, chloride, phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase, and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total proteins. The levels of glucose (P < 0.01), lactate (P < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.01) and calcium (P < 0.01) were also significantly changed, but no time-dependent relationships were found. Significant increases in haematocrit (P < 0.01) and metamyelocyte count (P < 0.05) were found. Mean corpuscular volume (P < 0.05) and counts of monocytes (P < 0.01), band neutrophils (P < 0.01) and segmented neutrophils (P < 0.05) were significantly changed independently of the transport duration. Since pre-transport manipulation and transport per se were found to be important stressors for three-years-old common carp, peri-transport disturbances should be minimized to ensure optimal fish welfare.Keywords: erythrocyte profile; common carp; Cyprinus carpio; leukocyte profile; plasma biochemical indices; stress response 511Czech J. Anim. Sci., 54, 2009 (11): 510-518 Original Paper of adrenalin and cortisol, followed by secondary changes in blood and tissues, such as hyperglycaemia, hyperlactaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, changes in blood plasma enzyme activities and ion concentrations, reduced glycogen content of muscle and liver, increased metabolic rate, and shifts in haematological profiles and immunological capacity (Stave and Robertson, 1985; Staurnes et al.1994).The acute primary physiological response of fish to netting, handling and transport returns to normal levels within 6-24 h. However, physiological recovery may take 10-14 days if the stressors persist and are not lethal (Schreck et al., 1997). Stress and physical activity during transport usually lead to the loss of product quality, such as reducing fish freshness, softening muscle texture, and lowering filet yield. Exposure to stress can have an impact on the economics of fish aquaculture (Nakayama et al., 1994).The aim of this study was to assess a transport stress response, i.e. the effect of pre-transport manipulation procedures and long-distance transport per se, to some biochemical and haematological indices of three-years-old common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L). Transport water quality was also monitored. MATERIAL AND METHODSThe experiment was carried out on common carp transported from storage ponds of the commercial fish farm in Hluboká nad Vltavou (Czech Republic) via Brno (Czech Republic) to a fish pond in Boheľov (Slovakia). Fish were transported in 2.2 m 3 transport tanks (AGK Kronawitter GmbH, Germany), at a density of 364 kg body weight per m 3 .Duration of transport was 12.5 h, comprising 7 h from Hluboká nad Vltavou to Brno and 5.5 h from Brno to Boheľov. Tanks were continuously oxygenated during transport. In Boheľov, the carp were released from the tanks through a hose into a fish pond. Throughout the experim...

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