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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #349358

Research Project: Genetics, Breeding and Reproductive Physiology to Enhance Production of Catfish

Location: Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Title: Evaluation of a portable electrosedation system (PES) for anaesthetizing channel catfish to produce channel x blue hybrid catfish embryos in hatcheries

Author
item Chatakondi, Nagaraj

Submitted to: American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2018
Publication Date: 2/7/2018
Citation: Chatakondi, N.G. 2018. Evaluation of a portable electrosedation system (PES) for anaesthetizing channel catfish to produce channel x blue hybrid catfish embryos in hatcheries. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. P. 21.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Anesthetics or sedatives are commonly used in fisheries and aquaculture research and production procedures to ease handling and reduce fish stress to conduct morphological and physiological evaluations on live fish. The anesthetics block or reduce the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis associated with handling stressors. Failure to suppress stress induction activation of the HPI axis results in release of cortisol, which affect other physiological processes. Tricaine methanesulfonate is the only FDA approved chemical sedative used in aquaculture and fisheries management to ease handling related stress in the United States. However, an alternate sedation method that is cost-effective, quick, and facilitate post-spawning survival of broodfish is needed. The present study was conducted to determine the efficacy of a portable electrosedation (PES) as an alternative sedation method with potential cortisol blocking properties. Electrosedation immobilize fish by electrically inducing interference with neurotransmission. This method does not involve any with-drawl periods, disposal requirements, and potentially easy to use. The efficacy of electrosedation has not been quantitatively compared with the standard chemical sedative in Channel Catfish.