Propiscin--A safe anaesthetic for pikeperch (Sander Lucioperca L.).

The aim of this work was to determine the impact of etomidate (Propiscin) dose (1 and 2 ml l-1) and exposure time (2 and 10 min) on the biochemical and haematological parameters of juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) [mean body length (Lc) 25.9 cm; body weight (W) 189.9 g] that were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Significant changes in the mean values of total protein, globulin, calcium, magnesium, and ammonia were noted in all groups immediately following exposure. The greatest changes in the haematological indicators were observed in groups subjected to 10-min exposure at both doses of the anaesthetic. The specimens from these groups had higher values for white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Statistically significant differences in these same parameters were also noted in the groups of fish exposed to the anaesthetic for 2 min at a dose of 2 ml l-1, but they were not as pronounced. Twenty-four h following exposure to etomidate, all blood parameters in the experimental groups were comparable to those of the control group. Etomidate can be recommended as a safe, effective anaesthetic for pikeperch.

Squalene Supplementation as a Novel to Increase PUFA Content in Fish Tissues.

Squalene is an antioxidant that plays an essential role in fat metabolism. The study aimed to assess the effect of squalene supplied in feed on the growth performance, health status, and fatty acid profiles of muscle and liver of Siberian sturgeon, rainbow trout, and Eurasian perch. The experimental feeds containing 0%, 0.5%, and 1.0% squalene were prepared for each fish species. Hematological and biochemical indices, liver histology, and fatty acid profiling of muscle and liver were analyzed. Squalene supplementation was safe for fish, and no negative influence on growth status was observed. However, changes in the values of hematological and biochemical indicators were found, including the level of triglycerides in the blood of rainbow trout, and cholesterol in the blood of Eurasian perch. The addition of squalene influences the nucleocytoplasmic index values in all fish offered feed containing 1% squalene. The retention of squalene in the liver and muscle of experimental Siberian sturgeon was observed in both 0.5% and 1.0% squalene levels of feed. The PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid increase was observed in all fish in groups with squalene addition. Dietary squalene increases the content of PUFAs in tissues of the examined species.

Application of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) shock to induce triploid development in the European grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.).

Use of parental individuals from allochthonous lineages to produce stocking specimens resulted in genetic contamination of many local European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) populations. Stocking programs including triploid individuals that are not able to reproduce with stocks located in natural habitats due to being reproductively sterile could contribute to populations of the European grayling and prevent regional lineages from the genetic pollution. The main goal of the present research, therefore, was to provide conditions for triploidization of the European grayling and examine gonads of triploid individuals. High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) shock (9000 psi/5 min.) applied to activated and incubated grayling eggs at 10 °C between the 17 min. 30 sec. and 20 minute timepoints subsequent to the time of insemination resulted in inhibition of the second polar body release and triploidization. Histological analysis confirmed that all 1-yr-old cytogenetically confirmed triploids had gonadal tissues indicative of sterility with the gonads being composed of connective tissue including fibroblasts, adipocytes and degenerated epithelial structures without there being any differentiated germ cells detected. There were no differences in the body length and Fulton's condition factor between 1 year old diploid and triploid grayling, however, the average body weight was markedly less in triploid than diploid specimens. Although, 1-yr-old triploid European female and male graylings did not have fully developed gonads, before these triploid specimens are deemed safe, as a result of being reproductively sterile for stocking in natural grayling habitats, there needs to be further examination of the 2- and 3-year-old triploid specimens.