Preprint volume - SIBM

Pre-print Volume – Posters
AQUACULTURE COMMITEE
immediately anaesthetized using 0.1 g/l of tricaine methanesulphonate; careful netting
and handling were implemented to minimize stress.
Biochemical parameters were carried out using commercial kits: cortisol: (ELISA
method); glucose (GOD-POD method); lactate: (LOD-POD method). Haematocrit was
determined by microhaematocrit capillary tube method by centrifugation at 14000 g for
5 min. Haemagglutinating activity against sheep erythrocytes were determined in
serum samples according to Caruso et al. (2005). Lysozyme content was measured, on
samples of mucus, plasma and kidney, according to plate diffusion method (Ossermann
and Lawlor, 1966).
Results and conclusions – No significant differences were shown in specific growth
rate between the two groups, even if fish cultured in submerged cage reached the
largest size.
Main results of this study underline a clear relation between observed changes in
physiological parameters commonly used as stress and immunocompetence indicators
in fish (Weendelar Bonga, 1997; Tort et al., 1996) and the cage type. Submergence
seems to be a favourable condition for sea bass culturing, as evidenced by growth,
haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. Particularly, in
submerged sea bass, serum cortisol and glucose and haematocrit value appeares
significantly lower than those of surface cages indicating a more welfare. Moreover
fish of submerged cages also show significant higher value in non-specific haemolytic
activity and mucus lysozyme, highlighting a positive effect of submergence some
components of innate immune system.
References
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TORT L., SUNYER J.O., GÓMEZ E., MOLINERO A. (1996) – Crowding stress induces changes in
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