Evaluation of non-invasive methods for monitoring of stress and welfare of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
1. Purpose
Atlantic salmon in aquaculture experience several acute stress situations, ranging from weekly sea lice count and net cleaning, to stressors such as leisure traffic. So far, determining the impact of stressors is difficult due to operational conditions and objective analysis methods/matrixes are usually invasive. The project aims to test alternative matrixes such as mucus and feces (in comparison to blood plasma) as potential non-invasive matrixes for monitoring stress biomarkers in Atlantic salmon. In order to understand the limitations of the method, expected deviation between samples before and after acute stress, and discover potential complementing biomarkers of stress, mucus and feces from a controlled experiment are crucial to validating the method. It is expected that the validated method be universally applicable at fish farms and across species.
2. Distress
It is expected that the fish will experience non-significant mild to moderate distress due to crowding for a relatively short period. The experiment aims to simulate acute stress similar to the stress-induced in fish farms.
3. Expected benefit
The current project aims to provide relevant data to better understand the impact of short-term acute stress and how non-invasive approaches can be used to measure biomarkers of stress and welfare without slaughtering the fish before sampling. Ultimately, this information can contribute to an informed decision on whether and how to use non-invasive methods as a biomarker of stress
4. Number of animals and what kind
90 post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with an average body weight of 200- 250 g.
5. How to adhere to 3R
Replace: It is not possible as 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 based on statical analysis and literature review.
Refinement: Fish will be held by experienced and qualified staff on Atlantic salmon handling and sampling. Humane endpoints are defined and, the experimental systems are designed for optimal rearing conditions for Atlantic salmon.
Atlantic salmon in aquaculture experience several acute stress situations, ranging from weekly sea lice count and net cleaning, to stressors such as leisure traffic. So far, determining the impact of stressors is difficult due to operational conditions and objective analysis methods/matrixes are usually invasive. The project aims to test alternative matrixes such as mucus and feces (in comparison to blood plasma) as potential non-invasive matrixes for monitoring stress biomarkers in Atlantic salmon. In order to understand the limitations of the method, expected deviation between samples before and after acute stress, and discover potential complementing biomarkers of stress, mucus and feces from a controlled experiment are crucial to validating the method. It is expected that the validated method be universally applicable at fish farms and across species.
2. Distress
It is expected that the fish will experience non-significant mild to moderate distress due to crowding for a relatively short period. The experiment aims to simulate acute stress similar to the stress-induced in fish farms.
3. Expected benefit
The current project aims to provide relevant data to better understand the impact of short-term acute stress and how non-invasive approaches can be used to measure biomarkers of stress and welfare without slaughtering the fish before sampling. Ultimately, this information can contribute to an informed decision on whether and how to use non-invasive methods as a biomarker of stress
4. Number of animals and what kind
90 post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with an average body weight of 200- 250 g.
5. How to adhere to 3R
Replace: It is not possible as 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 based on statical analysis and literature review.
Refinement: Fish will be held by experienced and qualified staff on Atlantic salmon handling and sampling. Humane endpoints are defined and, the experimental systems are designed for optimal rearing conditions for Atlantic salmon.