Early Development and Allometric Growth in Laboratory-Reared European Chub Leuciscus cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Sturgeon production involves unavoidable handling procedures inducing stress response. Clove oil is the anaesthetic commonly used in sturgeon culture to minimise stress and pain. Propofol is one of the most frequently used anaesthetic in humans. Propofol is a promising candidate anaesthetic for fish. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of propofol and eugenol on haematological and biochemical blood profile of Russian sturgeon. Determined indices covered: PCV, RBC, Hb, MCV, MCHC, MCH, leucogram, and concentration of calcium cations, inorganic phosphates, total proteins, albumins, globulins, ammonia, triacylglycerols, glucose, and the activity of creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase. Exposure to both anaesthetics caused a stress response in Russian sturgeon expressed as changes in WBC system and increased values of PCV, Hb, glucose, triacylglycerols, inorganic phosphates, calcium and ammonia. The impact of eugenol was more sever and longer being. No damage of internal organs was stated. According to our results, propofol is safe anaesthetic for Russian sturgeon.