Effects of stocking density during live transportation on haematological parameters of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii, Brandt, 1869)

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of different stocking densities water quality and blood parameters during the transportation of the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Experiments were carried out in high-density polyethylene tank with three different stocking densities (50, 100 and 150 kg/m(3)) for 20 h. Ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) and nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N) were measured in the water samples. The erythrocyte, leucocyte, haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (Hb), cortisol, and sodium ion (Na+) were measured in blood samples. Ammonium nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen concentrations in the water have increased in parallel with the stocking density depending on the time. In the highest stocking density, the maximum levels of NH4-N and NO2-N at the 16(th) h reached 2.64 mg/L and 4.74 mg/L, respectively. Erythrocyte, leucocyte, HCT, and Hb values did not differ significantly between the experimental groups (p > .05). The results showed that fish could be transported safely for 20 h in 15celcius water temperature at 50 kg/m(3) stocking density; however, stocking density of 100 kg/m(3) and over could threaten fish welfare and health as from 16(th) h.