Hematological and biochemical characteristics during the transport of dog snapper Lutjanus jocu (Perciformes: Lutjanidae)

Bruno L Oliveira,Luiz F Loureiro Fernandes,Jorge P Silva Filho,Levy C Gomes,Rodrigo M Souza

doi:10.1590/1982-0224-20170140

Bruno L Oliveira, Luiz F Loureiro Fernandes + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-20170140

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Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate stress responses in dog snapper (Lutjanus jocu) during transport by evaluating their hematological and biochemical responses. Twenty-five wild dog snapper specimens were used in the experiment (220 ± 68 g and 24.5 ± 2.5 cm total length). Blood samples were collected prior to transport (control), and fish were placed in two transport boxes, one with anesthetic and one without anesthetic. Immediately after transport and after 24 h, blood was collected from the fish that underwent each treatment (with anesthetic and without anesthetic). Biochemical and hematological results demonstrated the inefficiency of benzocaine as a stress reliever during handling and transport. Biochemical parameters revealed the effects of stress during transport, and after 24 h, glucose levels and hematological parameters (hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes, neutrophils and MCH) showed a tendency to return to control levels. This study is the first to report stress response measurements of hematological and biochemical indicators in dog snapper, representing an important basis for the planning of future experiments involving the transport and handling of this fish species.

Highlights

The development of marine fish farming through the use of fish with economic value is essential for the preservation of fish stocks and has increased steadily in recent years (FAO, 2016)
67.22 ± 8.89 b 11.44 ± 1.95 ab Hematological parameters assessed during the handling and transport of dog snapper provided important information on physiological conditions and health status, and this is the first study of this kind in this species
The cells identified in L. jocu blood smears are morphologically similar to those described by Del Rio-Zaragoza et al (2011) for rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus)

Summary

Introduction

The development of marine fish farming through the use of fish with economic value is essential for the preservation of fish stocks and has increased steadily in recent years (FAO, 2016). Capture, handling and transport procedures can cause various changes in fish, with negative effects on growth, reproduction and immunity, and can even lead to death (Cnaani, McLean, 2009; Cunha et al, 2010; Stieglitz et al, 2012; Hohlenwerger et al, 2016; Shabani et al, 2016; Teixeira et al, 2017). The use of anesthetics at appropriate concentrations may be a means to reduce fish stress and mortality during transport and handling (Mamangkey et al, 2009; Cunha et al, 2011). The use of high concentrations of benzocaine is uneconomical and can cause undesirable effects such as anesthetic induction or mortality (Teixeira et al, 2017)

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