Event of acute stress in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar.) measured by noninvasive methods for stress screening in the aquaculture industry
1 Purpose
Atlantic salmon in aquaculture experience a wide range of acute stressors, but it is challenging to determine impacts of stressors, and objective analysis methods are usually highly invasive. In 2017 Cao, Y. et al presented a non-invasive method to monitor stress. This method can be implemented as routine screening for feces-cortisol as a biomarker for stress, which is an important indicator of welfare and trigger of disease.
The project aims to investigate the event of acute stress measured by biochemical markers of stress in Atlantic salmon in an industrial context. Second, we aim to evaluate potential matrixes for such screening, by utilizing feces and mucus as potential matrix for monitoring biomarkers of stress in Atlantic salmon. In order to understand the biomarkers limitations in low concentrations, expected deviation between samples after acute stress, and discover potential complementing biomarkers of stress, sampling materials from a controlled experiment are crucial. Tissue samples from multiple organs, blood samples, feces and mucus samples that represent the effect of short-term stress similar to acute stress situations as experienced in the field, but without the continuous environmental stressors, are needed to better understand how such biomarkers can be useful as potential tools for welfare monitoring compared to other biochemical markers from blood.
2 Distress
Fish are expected to experience mild to moderate distress due to crowding for a short period, simulating acute stress similar to that induced by netting for e.g sea lice counting.
3 Expected benefit
The current project aims to provide relevant data to better understand impact of short-term acute stress, by analyzing both genetic and biochemical markers linked to the activation of the HPI axis, and investigate the secretion of cortisol and potential cortico-metabolites into mucus and faces to determine how alternative matrices can be used to measure biomarkers of stress without slaughtering the fish before sampling. Ultimately, this information can contribute to an informed decision on whether and how to use biomarker of stress. This trial will try to describe the big picture on stress with multiple approaches – in order to understand how e.g. non-invasive stress biomarkers can be implemented in welfare monitoring.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
306 (150- 200 g) post smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar.) are proposed to be used.
5 How to adhere to 3R
Replace: Live fish can not be replaced with alternative models and it is necessary to use live fish to estimate its response to acute stress.
Reduction: The number of fish requested is a minimum replicated sample to give reliable scientific results.
Refinement: The blind- randomized trial approach of this study aims to reduce number of individuals and unbiased analysis of samples. A code key, specifically of sampling material provided and expected analysis results will be available after complete analysis. Moreover, fish will be held by experienced and qualified staff on Atlantic salmon handling and sampling. Humane end points are defined and, the experimental systems are designed for optimal rearing conditions for Atlantic salmon.
Atlantic salmon in aquaculture experience a wide range of acute stressors, but it is challenging to determine impacts of stressors, and objective analysis methods are usually highly invasive. In 2017 Cao, Y. et al presented a non-invasive method to monitor stress. This method can be implemented as routine screening for feces-cortisol as a biomarker for stress, which is an important indicator of welfare and trigger of disease.
The project aims to investigate the event of acute stress measured by biochemical markers of stress in Atlantic salmon in an industrial context. Second, we aim to evaluate potential matrixes for such screening, by utilizing feces and mucus as potential matrix for monitoring biomarkers of stress in Atlantic salmon. In order to understand the biomarkers limitations in low concentrations, expected deviation between samples after acute stress, and discover potential complementing biomarkers of stress, sampling materials from a controlled experiment are crucial. Tissue samples from multiple organs, blood samples, feces and mucus samples that represent the effect of short-term stress similar to acute stress situations as experienced in the field, but without the continuous environmental stressors, are needed to better understand how such biomarkers can be useful as potential tools for welfare monitoring compared to other biochemical markers from blood.
2 Distress
Fish are expected to experience mild to moderate distress due to crowding for a short period, simulating acute stress similar to that induced by netting for e.g sea lice counting.
3 Expected benefit
The current project aims to provide relevant data to better understand impact of short-term acute stress, by analyzing both genetic and biochemical markers linked to the activation of the HPI axis, and investigate the secretion of cortisol and potential cortico-metabolites into mucus and faces to determine how alternative matrices can be used to measure biomarkers of stress without slaughtering the fish before sampling. Ultimately, this information can contribute to an informed decision on whether and how to use biomarker of stress. This trial will try to describe the big picture on stress with multiple approaches – in order to understand how e.g. non-invasive stress biomarkers can be implemented in welfare monitoring.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
306 (150- 200 g) post smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar.) are proposed to be used.
5 How to adhere to 3R
Replace: Live fish can not be replaced with alternative models and it is necessary to use live fish to estimate its response to acute stress.
Reduction: The number of fish requested is a minimum replicated sample to give reliable scientific results.
Refinement: The blind- randomized trial approach of this study aims to reduce number of individuals and unbiased analysis of samples. A code key, specifically of sampling material provided and expected analysis results will be available after complete analysis. Moreover, fish will be held by experienced and qualified staff on Atlantic salmon handling and sampling. Humane end points are defined and, the experimental systems are designed for optimal rearing conditions for Atlantic salmon.