Does domestication process affect stress response in juvenile Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis?

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Animal Physiology
• Fish Biology

Background:

• Domestication significantly alters fish physiology and stress responses.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Eurasian perch (Sander lucioperca) are a key species in European aquaculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of domestication on the physiological stress response of Eurasian perch.
• To investigate how chronic confinement affects acute stress reactions and immune parameters.
• To compare early (F1) and later (F4) generations of domesticated perch.

Main Methods:

• Juvenile Eurasian perch (F1 and F4 generations) were subjected to chronic confinement stress.
• Acute stress response was evaluated via capture and anesthesia at different time points.
• Immune parameters were measured after a bacterial challenge (Aeromonas hydrophila).

Main Results:

• Cortisol and glucose levels increased significantly after acute stress but were unaffected by chronic confinement.
• Early generation (F1) perch showed a higher cortisol response to acute stress after confinement.
• Later generation (F4) perch exhibited enhanced immune responses (lysozyme activity, agglutination) during bacterial challenge.

Conclusions:

• Chronic confinement had limited direct physiological impact but may heighten sensitivity to other stressors.
• The domestication process appears to enhance chronic stress resistance and immune status in Eurasian perch.
• Domestication benefits include improved stress resilience and immune capacity in cultured fish.