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Chronic stress due to high stocking density in open sea cage farming induces variation in biochemical and immunological functions in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch)

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Abstract

Stocking density is an important factor in cage aquaculture of finfish. Effects of high stocking density (35 fish cubic m−1) on a range of biochemical and immunological parameters in Asian seabass reared in open sea floating net cages were compared to fish held in relatively low density (15 fish cubic m−1). The results revealed that chronic stress due to high stocking density induced variations in most of the parameters studied as evidenced by increased cortisol and glucose levels and decreased activity of lysozyme, myeloperoxidase and complement. Production of reactive oxygen species, total leucocyte count and total serum protein were also decreased, whereas anti-protease, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities were increased in high stocking-density group when compared to low stocking-density group. Effects of chronic stress due to high stocking density were discussed in relation to variations in these parameters.

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Acknowledgments

The results of the study formed part of the Ph.D. research of the first author. The authors are thankful to Dr. G. Syda Rao, Director, CMFRI, for providing facilities to conduct the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Karwar Research Centre, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Karwar, 581301, India

    Narasimhulu Sadhu, S. R. Krupesha Sharma, Praveen Dube & K. K. Philipose

  2. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, 682018, Kerala, India

    Shoji Joseph

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  1. Narasimhulu Sadhu
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  2. S. R. Krupesha Sharma
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  3. Shoji Joseph
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  4. Praveen Dube
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  5. K. K. Philipose
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Correspondence to S. R. Krupesha Sharma.

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Sadhu, N., Sharma, S.R.K., Joseph, S. et al. Chronic stress due to high stocking density in open sea cage farming induces variation in biochemical and immunological functions in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch). Fish Physiol Biochem 40, 1105–1113 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-014-9909-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-014-9909-8

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