Influence of Electronarcosis on Behavioral Responses,Blood Markers,and Fillet Properties of Silver Catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

Behavioral responses, blood markers, and fillet properties were investigated after silver catfish exposure to different electric field strengths, frequency, and duration of electric current in the preslaughter stunning. All combinations of electric fields and frequencies were able to stun fish. Longer apparent stun was obtained at the intermediate electrical frequencies. High electric field strength detracted the texture of fillets. At least 5 s was required to stun fish, and longer exposure to electrical current did not prolong the apparent stun or damage fillet properties. Results indicate that silver catfish are relatively resistant to electronarcosis.     

Evaluation of head-only and head-to-tail electrical stunning of farmed eels (Anguilla anguilla, L.) for the development of a humane slaughter method

The overall objective was to evaluate the suitability of electronarcosis as a stunning method for farmed eels. In the first experiment the minimum electrical current needed to induce a general epileptiform insult by head‐only stunning was assessed. The individual eels (n = 40) with a live weight of 700–800 g were fixed in a specially designed re‐strainer. The EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) recordings, observation of behaviour and responses to pain stimuli were used to assess unconsciousness, insensibility and cardiac function. The applied current of 150, 200 or 250 V, 50 Hz, AC was delivered via scissor‐model stunning tongs for approximately 1 s. A general epileptiform insult was observed in 31 eels for which a successful EEG recording was obtained, using 255 ± 4 V, 545 ± 32 mA, for 1.2 ± 0.2 s. The general epileptiform insult as measured on the EEG was characterized by a tonic/clonic phase and an exhaustion phase. The behaviour showed one phase: tonic cramps alternated by clonic ones. The heart rate was 22 ± 8 beats min^?1 (n = 23) prior to stunning. After stunning the ECG revealed fibrillation. In the second experiment the behaviour of seven individual eels able to move freely in water was observed after head‐only stunning (250 V). Two phases were distinguished. Limited tonic and clonic cramps combined with backward swimming were followed by heavy clonic cramps combined with unco‐ordinated movements such as jumping out of the water. A distinct exhaustion phase was not observed in all animals. In the third experiment a head‐to‐tail electrical method was examined in 15 eels for rendering the eels unconscious and insensitive prior to slaughter. They were stunned by applying 253 V for 3 s followed by 50 V for 5 min. In the fourth experiment nine eels were head‐only stunned with 260 V for 1 s immediately followed by 50 V for 5 min applied from head to tail. Results obtained in these two experiments were similar. After stunning no brain activity and no responses to pain stimuli on the EEG were observed and the ECG showed ventricular extra systolae. It was observed that it might take 60 ± 25 min or longer for a complete recovery. It can be concluded that for effective electrical stunning of eels with a weight of 700–800 g an average current of 545 ± 32 mA (at approximate 250 V, 50 Hz AC) is needed. In this case, within a confidence level of 95% at least 91% of the eels are effectively stunned (n = 31). Therefore, it is recommended to increase the minimum current for an effective stun in practice to 600 mA. Further research is needed to determine the conditions to induce permanent unconsciousness and insensibility of the eels to protect the animals at slaughter.     

Electric stunning: a humane slaughter method for trout

The most common commercial slaughter method for portion-sized rainbow trout is asphyxiation in ice slurry. This method is however widely believed to expose the fish to unnecessary pain and suffering. The industry is consequently seeking an alternative method, which offers improved welfare of the fish at slaughter. Electric stunning of fish in water is identified as a suitable method. Parameters of an electric field that stuns trout beyond the point of recovery without causing carcass damage have been identified. A 60-s exposure to a 1000-Hz sinusoidal electric field of 250 V/m r.m.s. is recommended. Several practical options for implementing this method on commercial trout farms are identified and equipment for one of these approaches has been built and tested. The UK trout industry appears to be moving towards electric stunning as its preferred slaughter method.     

The equivalent resistance and power requirements of electric fishing electrodes

Abstract  The empirical relationship between different sizes of electric fishing anodes, water conductivity and equivalent resistance was modelled for a range of electric fishing ring anode designs currently in use. In addition, equivalent resistance values were measured for several cathode designs. Knowledge of the equivalent electrode resistance allowed determination of the input power required to energise an electric fishing system for a range of water conductivities, circuit voltages and electrical waveforms. The values of equivalent electrode resistance did not correspond well with values obtained from previously published theoretical methods for calculating equivalent electrode resistance.     

Evaluation of electrical stunning of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in seawater and killing by chilling: welfare aspects, product quality and possibilities for implementation

The objective was to assess neural, behavioural responses and product quality in farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) upon electrical stunning in seawater. The electrical sinusoidal 50 Hz or pulse square wave alternating 133 Hz current induced a general epileptiform insult with a current of 3.3±0.2 or 3 A dm^?2, respectively, for 1 s head to tail in seawater. The total duration of the insult was 48±34 and 23±11 s. After stunning, the electro‐cardiogram revealed fibrillation and ceased or showed malfunction. Product quality was assessed in a group electrically stunned, followed by chilling in ice water and the controls were only chilled in ice water. The pH of the fillets was 0.1–0.2 lower (P<0.01) when stunned electrically at days 1, 2, 8 and 10 postmortem, where the colour did not differ. The percentage of sea bass effectively stunned using an electrical sinusoidal or pulse square wave current was above 85% within a confidence level of 95%. A combination of electrical stunning for 10 s, followed by chilling in seawater with ice flakes resulted in the death of all fish. The former method is recommended to be adapted for implementation in practice.     

Analysis of sedimentation and resuspension processes of aquaculture biosolids using an oscillating grid

Sedimentation and resuspension processes of aquaculture biosolids (non-ingested feed and faeces) are analysed using vertically oscillating grids as a source of turbulence in fluid tanks. An oscillating grid system consists of a container in which a grid is stirred vertically generating a well-known turbulent field that is function of amplitude and frequency of oscillation, distance between grid and measurement point, and mesh spacing of the grid. The grid used in this study had a mesh spacing of 1.2 cm, and was calibrated using different amplitudes (1, 1.5 and 2 cm), frequencies (from 1 to 6 Hz) and distances (2.4, 2.7 and 3 cm). After calibration, the turbulence needed to resuspend biosolids and to maintain them in the water column following different times of consolidation, and with biosolids of different origin, was analysed. It was observed that the turbulence needed to resuspend aquaculture biosolids increased with the time of consolidation. When the turbulence was decreased after a resuspension process, the next sedimentation of biosolids showed a hysteretic behaviour: turbulence needed to resuspend a fixed percent of biosolids from the tank bottom is substantially higher than that needed to maintain the same percentage suspended in the water column. Differences in resuspension behaviour of biosolids originated in different tanks were also observed.

The method provides useful information that can be compared with turbulence generated by fish swimming activity, in order to determine the culture conditions, which can promote self-cleaning conditions in a particular tank.     

Preslaughter Anesthesia with Lippia alba Essential Oil Delays the Spoilage of Chilled Rhamdia quelen

This study evaluated whether anesthesia with essential oil (EO) of Lippia alba (300 mg L^?1 for 4 min) prior to electronarcosis (128 V m^?1 × 300 Hz for 5 s) or hypothermia (ice/water slurry) could delay fish spoilage during chilled storage of whole fish. Silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) were subjected to two different pre-stunning treatments (water or anesthesia with EO of L. alba) followed by two different stunning procedures (hypothermia or electrical stunning), yielding four groups (n = 32/group): water (control) + hypothermia, water (control) + electrical stunning, EO of L. alba + hypothermia, and EO of L. alba + electrical stunning. After stunning, fish were slaughtered by percussion and stored in ice. Preslaughter anesthesia with the EO of L. alba extended fish shelf life by delaying the loss of freshness (nucleotide degradation), growth of Enterobacteriaceae, and fish deterioration (sensory evaluation). Such preservative effect was most remarkable for fish that were subsequently submitted to electrical stunning, as they had the lowest demerit scores and greatest shelf life in the sensory evaluation. Our results showed that preslaughter anesthesia with EO of L. alba followed by electrical stunning can delay the loss of freshness and extend fish shelf life during chilled storage.     

Electrical stunning followed by decapitation or chilling of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus): assessment of behavioural and neural parameters and product quality

The objective of this study was to assess neural and behavioural responses in farmed African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) upon electrical stunning in combination with decapitation or chilling. To assess the possibility of scaling up one or both experimental methods, two trials were performed in an experimental setting. The product quality of the collected samples was compared with the currently applied industrial method: live chilling. After electrical stunning in combination with decapitation, the fish showed spikes alternated with theta and delta waves on the EEG, followed by minimal brain activity after 20±10 s. The same traces on the EEGs were observed after electrical stunning in combination with chilling. Here, minimal brain activity occurred after 22±11 s. Within a confidence level of 95%, the percentage of African catfish that was effectively stunned after administration of an electrical current of 1.5 A dm⁻², 300 V (50 Hz a.c.), followed by decapitation or chilling was above 91%. The analysis yield and evolution of liquid loss showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the batches, which could be explained by the stunning method used. The course values of the pH in the different batches were significantly (P<0.05) dependent on the stunning method, sex and location (visceral or skin side). It is concluded that African catfish can be stunned effectively using electrical stunning in a water tank, followed by decapitation or chilling in ice. Dutch commercial processors prefer to combine electrical stunning with chilling in flake ice in a rotating tumbler, as the outer slime layer is then removed, which facilitates further processing.     

Electrical stunning of farmed Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L.: a comparison of an industrial and experimental method

An industrial and experimental electrical method for stunning farmed Atlantic cod in air and seawater (SW), respectively, were compared. The impacts of sedation with AQUI‐S^? and exercise to exhaustion before electrical stunning were also assessed to monitor the possible depletion of rested muscle energy levels by electrical stunning. Stress (blood glucose, haematocrit, muscle pH, muscle excitability, high‐energy phosphates and rigor mortis) and flesh quality (fillet texture, colour, liquid leakage (LL), gaping, residual blood and K‐value) were assessed. For the industrial stunning method, an average of 41 V, 0.2 A dc was applied to individual cod for 18–27 s. For the SW method, a bipolar square wave current (170 Hz, 33% duty cycle) was applied for 5 s. After stunning, recovery was prevented by exsanguination in chilled SW. There were no differences (P>0.05) between the two stunning methods except for a higher ultimate fillet pH for cod stunned in air 8 days postmortem. Exercise before stunning depleted muscle energy levels at slaughter, increased LL and fillets had redder and darker flesh after storage on ice for 8 days. Electrical stunning (in air) of AQUI‐S^?‐treated fish partly depleted muscle energy levels (pH 7.3, ATP 18.7 μmol g^?1, PCr 70.1 μmol g^?1). However, flesh quality was not affected. Unless pre‐rigor filleting is the chosen processing strategy, electrical stunning of cod seems to be a promising stunning method.     

Evaluation of Electrical Stunning of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) and Turbot (Psetta maxima) in Seawater

The aim of this study was to assess electrical stunning of Atlantic cod and turbot in seawater to develop a protocol for the process of stunning and killing. An induced general epileptiform insult (unconscious) had a duration of 40 ± 27 s (n =14) in cod (2.6 ± 0.5 kg) and 34 ± 18 s (n = 19) in turbot (520 ± 65 g). Seven cod and 3 turbot displayed a physical reaction, and 11 turbot registered an electroencephalogram (EEG) response to pain stimuli administered 30 s post-stun. The heart rate was 32 ± 6 beats/min in cod and 25 ± 7 beats/min in turbot prior to stunning. Post-stunning, the electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed fibrillation and reduced activity post-stun. EEG, ECG recordings, and behavioral observations indicate that when a bipolar square wave current was applied with a frequency of 133 Hz and 43% duty cycle side to side (turbot) and at 170 Hz and 33% duty cycle (cod) head to tail, both species were stunned in seawater at current densities of 3.2 A/dm² and 2.5 A/dm², respectively. For turbot, a 5 s exposure to electricity followed by chilling in ice water for 15 min is sufficient to prevent recovery. For cod, a killing method needs to be established.     

养殖池底层鱼类电脉冲捕捞装置设计与试验

为了减轻土池养殖底层鱼类的捕捞劳动强度,提高捕捞效率,研制了具有脉冲宽度和脉冲频率可调、工作状态指示、报警等功能,以及操作简单、使用方便的助渔仪器。文章主要介绍鱼类电行为特性、水中脉冲放电产生的电场对鱼类行为作用的机理、系统电气性能参数和系统功能的确定、硬件实施及效果等。     

Influence of vibration caused by sound on migration of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Vibrations exist widely in the ocean, and the one caused by sound and biological movement plays an important role in the sensory system of marine organisms. The vibration caused by sound has many characteristics that make it a good candidate for modifying the movements of marine organisms. However, few studies have tested whether hydraulic vibration caused by sound has effects on the migration of sea cucumbers, and this has never been systematically studied previously in Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka). In order to understand whether hydraulic vibration caused by sound at different frequencies could affect the migration of sea cucumbers, in the present study, hydraulic vibration caused by sound at various frequencies was tested in the laboratory to determine their effects on the migration of A. japonicus at different sizes. The mean probability distribution was used as a statistical index to demonstrate the moving tendencies of the species. The experimental results showed that medium and small A. japonicus (<10 g ind.^?1) tend to move towards the low‐frequency vibration source caused by sound (100 Hz), whereas all sizes of A. japonicus tend to move backwards the high‐frequency vibration source caused by sound (10 000 and 28 000 Hz). This study provides basic data on the behavioural ecology of this species, as well as theoretical reference for the design of artificial reefs and harvesting equipment for A. japonicus.     

Stunning of farmed African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using a captive needle pistol; assessment of welfare aspects

The objective of this study was to assess whether high‐pressure injection of air into the brain of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) could render the animal unconscious and insensible immediately and permanently. In the study, 48 African catfish with a live weight of 900–1900 g were restrained and equipped with EEG and ECG electrodes and then stunned. The catfish were stunned mechanically using a captive needle pistol. The pressure to shoot the needle was 8 bar and that to inject the air was 3 bar for 1.5 s. The catfish behaviour was observed during and after stunning. τ and δ waves and spikes, which precede a stoppage in brain activity as measured on the EEG, were used as indices for the measurement of immediate induction of unconsciousness and insensibility In 23 of 42 fish, an iso‐electric line was observed after an average of 13.4 s, while in the remaining fish the τ and δ waves and spikes remained on the EEG during the recording period. In all cases, the ECG showed an irregular heart rate with fibrillation and extra systolae. Moreover, the configuration showed ischaemia. Before the captive needle stunning, free‐swimming fish (n=7) explored the tank for an average of 21±12 s before lying down at the bottom. After stunning, they showed clonic uncoordinated swimming movements. The movements stopped after an average of 38±50 s. In another group (n=7) that was stunned and subsequently placed in ice water, clonic cramps were observed in two out of seven animals. When taking into account the number of animals with a reliable EEG (n=42) and using 95% confidence intervals, it was concluded that at least 93% of the catfish were effectively stunned using a correctly positioned captive needle pistol. Furthermore, it is recommended to immobilize the stunned fish by chilling, as the post‐stun clonic cramps may hinder gutting and filleting.     

Is humane slaughter of fish possible for industry?

Abstract The objective was to evaluate industrial and research slaughter methods for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), gilt‐head seabream (Sparus auratus) and eel (Anguilla anguilla) with respect to welfare and quality. As a general term of reference, an optimal slaughter method should render fish unconscious until death without avoidable excitement, pain or suffering prior to killing. For Atlantic salmon, commercial slaughter methods (carbon dioxide stunning followed by gill cutting, and gill cutting alone) are not in conformity with the general term of reference, as the fish are not rendered unconscious immediately and possibly experience stress. Evaluation of automated percussive stunning remained unconclusive. More research should enable us to ascertain whether loss of consciousness is instantaneous. Electrical stunning can be humane if applied properly. However, because flesh of electrostunned fish was characterized by occasional bloodspots, optimization of the electrical parameters is required. Prototypes for percussive and electrical stunning of salmon have been recently developed. This implies that humane slaughter of salmon is feasible for industry. For gilt‐head seabream, neither aphyxia in air nor transfer of the fish to an ice slurry were considered to be humane: the methods did not induce immediate brain dysfunction and vigorous attempts to escape occurred. Percussive and electrical stunning can be in conformity with the general term of reference. However, conditions for stunning whole batches of seabream have not been established. Quality of the fish slaughtered by percussive stunning was similar to that obtained by the industrial method, i.e. immersion in an ice slurry. Further work is required to establish optimal stunning conditions and to develop prototypes. For eel, desliming in a salt‐bath followed by evisceration, electrical stunning performed under the conditions prescribed by the German legislation, and live chilling and freezing were not considered to be humane. In contrast, it was established that a 10–20 kg batch of eels in fresh water could be rendered unconscious immediately and until death by applying electricity in combination with nitrogen gas. The conditions used were 0.64 A dm^?2 for 1 s, followed by 0.17 A dm^?2 combined with nitrogen flushing for 5 min. A preliminary assessment of flesh quality suggests that it may be improved by application of the latter method, compared with the salt bath. The results clearly indicated that humane slaughter of eels is possible in practice.     

黏性饵料输送投喂装备的开发与试验

网箱养殖、幼鱼适口性驯化等需要采用黏性饵料,该类饵料人工投喂劳动量大,亟待研发相关装备满足实际生产需求。根据黏性饵料输送距离和投喂量等指标,设计了以柴油机为动力源的总体方案,选择容积式G型单螺杆泵作为投喂系统的核心,对输送泵、动力源、传动系统、输送管等关键部件进行选型及匹配设计,并校核泵的流量、动力满足度、推力等控制性参数;基于选型情况,设计置料器、连接件等附属零件,进行整体结构成型和加工调试。该系统的现场试验结果表明,装备性能可满足黏性饵料输送,输送距离达到100 m,覆盖区域50 m×50 m,最大输送速率达到12 840 kg/h,满足实际需求。该系统装备造价0.75万元,可以根据需要进行输送管道的灵活布置,无需外部电源供应,适合网箱养殖等野外环境下的群组配置。     

Measurements of auditory sensitivity in common carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis> by the auditory brainstem response technique and cardiac conditioning method

ABSTRACT:   Recently, the non-invasive auditory brainstem response (ABR) technique has been applied to the determination of hearing sensitivity in fish. The technique has some advantages over, and methodological differences from, the classical techniques. The auditory thresholds of common carp were measured by the ABR technique. The classical method was applied to measure cardiac response by electrocardiogram (ECG) after conditioning with electric shock. The most sensitive frequency obtained by ABR was 505 Hz, and by ECG, 1000 Hz. The shapes of the audiogram obtained by ABR and ECG were similar, though threshold levels in both audiograms differed from each other. Furthermore, audiograms obtained by using behavioral techniques were compared with those taken by the ABR and ECG techniques to assess the validity of the ABR technique for testing fish hearing sensitivity. The measured threshold levels increased in the order of behavioral, ABR, and ECG techniques, in the range below 1000 Hz.     

电激活对猪卵母细胞孤雌发育的影响

以体外成熟的猪卵母细胞为对象,研究了不同的电场强度、脉冲时程和脉冲次数对猪卵母细胞电激活效果及其孤雌胚发育率的影响。结果表明,1次脉冲就足以激活猪卵母细胞,以1300V·cm-1的电场强度和80μs的脉冲时程可以获得较高的卵母细胞的激活率、卵裂率和孤雌胚发育率。     

不同电学参数和流速下的拦鱼电栅对草鱼幼鱼的拦导效率

为了探究不同电学参数的拦鱼电栅在静水条件下对草鱼幼鱼[体长(10.22±2.01)cm、体质量(34.25±3.62)g]趋避行为的影响,实验构建了一种双排式的拦鱼电栅,在静水条件下采用3因素4水平正交实验设计,测试了脉冲电压、脉冲频率、脉冲宽度等脉冲直流电参数对拦鱼效果的影响;为了探究静水下拦鱼效果最佳的拦鱼电栅电学...     

Development of boom electric fishing equipment for use in large rivers and canals in the United Kingdom

Abstract. The construction of a multiple electrode fishing boom is described. The efficiency of the equipment was compared with more conventional hand-held electric fishing equipment and seine netting in a series of field trials. Differences were found in the fishing efficiencies of the equipment teslcd. The boom electric fishing equipment with a pulsed direct current output produced better and more consistent catches and is considered to he a good cost-effective method for sampling large linear water bodies.