Oxidative stress in juvenile chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum)

Juvenile chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), were held in 8–11°C freshwater, starved for 3 days and subjected to a low‐water stressor to determine the relationship between the general stress response and oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels (lipid hydroperoxides) were measured in kidney, liver and brain samples taken at the beginning of the experiment (0‐h unstressed controls) and at 6, 24 and 48 h after application of a continuous low‐water stressor. Tissue samples were also taken at 48 h from fish that had not been exposed to the stressor (48‐h unstressed controls). Exposure to the low‐water stressor affected LPO in kidney and brain tissues. In kidney, LPO decreased 6 h after imposition of the stressor; similar but less pronounced decreases also occurred in the liver and brain. At 48 h, LPO increased (in comparison with 6‐h stressed tissues) in the kidney and brain. In comparison with 48‐h unstressed controls, LPO levels were higher in the kidney and brain of stressed fish. Although preliminary, results suggest that stress can cause oxidative tissue damage in juvenile chinook salmon. Measures of oxidative stress have shown similar responses to stress in mammals; however, further research is needed to determine the extent of the stress–oxidative stress relationship and the underlying physiological mechanisms in fish.     

Antisomatostatin-induced growth acceleration in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Since somatostatin (SRIF) inhibits the release of growth hormone (GH), its immunoneutralization may provide an alternative to GH therapy as a means of enhancing somatic growth in fish. The present study examined the feasibility of accelerating growth in juvenile chinook salmon by means of antiSRIF administration. Yearling salmon of Nicola River stock (BC, Canada) were injected intraperitoneally every 5 days, for a total of 40 days, with either SRIF (1 μg g-1 body wt.), antiSRIF (SOMA-10, 1 μg g⁻¹), recombinant bovine GH (rbGH, 2.5 μg g⁻¹), recombinant porcine GH (rpGH, 2.5 μg g⁻¹) or saline (controls). No significant differences were observed in length, weight or final condition factor (k) between the SRIF-treated and control fish over the experimental period. However, the fish treated with the antiSRIF were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) longer and heavier than the control salmon after 25 and 30 days respectively. Furthermore, antiSRIF treatment caused a lowering in k when compared to the control salmon. Fish injected with rbGH or rpGH were significantly longer and heavier than all other groups (p ≤ 0.05), after only 5 days. GH treated groups also returned higher k when compared against all other treatments (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed in growth between the two rGH treatments over the experimental period.     

Exposure to seawater stimulates lipid mobilization from depot tissues of juvenile coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and chinook (O. tshawytscha) salmon

Tissue lipid content and lipolytic enzyme activity was determined in selected tissues of coho salmon,Oncorhynchus kisutch, at various developmental stages (freshwater parr, freshwater smolt, seawater smolt, and seawater stunt) and in tissues of coho salmon and chinook salmon,O. tshawytscha, exposed to seawater periodically during smoltification. Among developmental groups, total lipid concentration of liver and dark muscle was highest in freshwater (FW) parr. Lipid concentration in both liver and dark muscle was significantly lower in FW smolts, seawater (SW) smolts and SW stunts; no difference was observed among these groups. Alterations in lipid composition were reflected in depot triacylglycerol lipase activity. FW smolts, SW smolts and SW stunts displayed significantly higher lipase activity than FW parr in each of the tissues examined (live, dark muscle and mesenteric fat). Early in smoltification (March, April), exposure to seawater results in enhanced lipid depletion from liver, dark muscle and mesenteric fat, both 30 and 60 days after exposure, compared to FW controls. This depletion was accompanied by increased liver (March and April) dark muscle (March) and mesenteric fat (March) lipase activity. Later in smoltification (May), salinity-induced alterations in lipid metabolism were not observed. These results indicate that exposure to seawater stimulates lipid depletion in juvenile salmon and that the depletion can be explained, in part, by increased depot lipase activity. Furthermore, these data confirm that metabolic dysfunction is associated with stunting.     

Gastric dilation and air sacculitis in farmed chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum)

A syndrome affecting cultured chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), characterized by distended abdomens, gastric dilation, air sacculitis (GDAS), increased feed conversion rates and increased mortality has been recognized in New Zealand. Affected fish were most obvious in sea cages but were also present in fresh water. Mortality rates associated with this condition were highest in late summer and approached 6% per month. A dilated and flaccid stomach, without visible rugal folds containing copious oil, watery fluid or undigested feed was typical. Gastric mucosal ulceration or inflammation were not present. The air sacculitis consisted of a thickened, dilated bladder with a mixed mucosal inflammatory infiltrate and a luminal exudate associated with large numbers of morphologically diverse bacteria. Gastric dilation or air sacculitis occurred alone or together in the same fish. In a group of 20 subclinically affected fish with or without gastric dilation, there were no significant differences in weight, length, serum osmolality, sodium, total protein or packed cell volume. Twenty-three severely affected fish had significantly ( P  < 0.05) higher serum osmolality but similar sodium and total protein to that of clinically normal fish.     

Effect of extrusion processing on the nutritive value of canola meal for chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in seawater

This study was conducted to evaluate three canola protein products as partial replacements of steam-dried whole herring meal (HM) in a practical diet for juvenile chinook salmon in seawater. Groups of 30–40 g chinook salmon held in 9.5–12°C seawater on a natural photoperiod were fed one of seven equivalent protein (390 g kg⁻¹) and isoenergetic (20 MJ gross energy kg⁻¹) diets to satiation. Each of three test protein sources, namely, commercial canola meal (CM), low-temperature extruded CM (90°C; LT), and high-temperature extruded CM (150°C; HT) comprised about 120 and 240 g kg⁻¹ of dietary protein by replacement of 15 and 30%, respectively, of the HM protein in the control diet. Chinook salmon growth and feed intake were markedly depressed by replacing HM protein with a high level of CM, but these responses were not lowered by replacement with LT and HT. The phytic acid content in commercial canola meal was reduced by about 10 and 30% from the original level by extrusion cooking at low (90°C) and high (150°C) temperature, respectively. Therefore, the diets containing HT still had significant amounts of phytic acid. Terminal whole-body zinc contents were inversely related to the dietary levels of the different canola protein products. Thyroid function was altered by CM but this effect was offset by heat treatment. The results suggest that extrusion cooking of CM improves its nutritive value for chinook salmon in seawater. Indeed, it was found that HT could comprise 240 g kg⁻¹ of the dietary protein without adversely affecting performance.     

Evaluation of an experimental Aeromonas salmonicida epidemic in chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum)

To determine the dynamics of the transmission of Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida infection, chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, were exposed to bacteria by cohabitation. The latent period (time between exposure and infectivity) was determined by exposing a group of chinook salmonid fingerlings to A. salmonicida by bath, then, at daily intervals, by holding five exposed (donor) fish with approximately 50 naive fish for 24 h. The latent period was 3 days post-infection and the time period between the initial exposure to bacteria and the beginning of bacterial shedding was 4.5 days for the same animals. The prevalence and intensity of infection in the donor fish, to which recipient fish were exposed, i.e. the level of exposure, was highly correlated with the development of disease in recipient (susceptible) chinook salmon (r2 = 0.57). An experiment was conducted to determine the daily progress of infection and development of a furunculosis epidemic among recipient fish by cohabiting a single exposed fish with 43 unexposed salmon. At daily intervals, all fish (in seven treatment tanks and one control tank daily) were sacrificed and tested for the presence of A. salmonicida in the kidney (n = 3520). Over 10 days, mean prevalence among recipient fish reached 75% and disease related mortality exceeded 50%. Bacterial concentrations in the water continued to increase over the duration of the experiment in concert with the number of infected animals present in the population.     

Sporadic neoplasms of farmed chinook salmon,Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), from New Zealand

Eight separate neoplasms with five distinct morphologies are described in the present report. The spontaneous neoplasms were identified in farmed chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), during processing. The masses were examined histologically and were classified as teratoma, rhabdosarcoma, biliary and renal cystadenomas, renal carcinoma and three leiomyomas. This represents one neoplasm detected for every 125000 fish processed during the sampling period.     

Annual variations in the diet of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Waitaki River and the demonstration channels, 1982–1986

The numbers of particular prey in stomach samples of juvenile chinook salmon varied between sites, months and years in two controlled flow demonstration channel sites and the mainstem lower Waitaki River. During 4 growing seasons, 1982–1986, Deleatidium, Aoteapsyche, Hydroptilidae, Elmidae, Chironomidae and Amphipoda were important components of the diet. Salmon also ate a variety of other items of aquatic and terrestrial origin. Diets were quite similar and tended to change in the same way in all sites simultaneously, perhaps in response to discharge. Smaller prey (Chironomidae, Hydroptilidae and early instar Aoteapsyche) were more numerous in stomach samples in seasons of lower, more stable, discharge. Fewer but larger prey were consumed during high flows. The salmon sampled in March 1986 originated from the high egg deposition of 1985 and grew during a season of low discharge. They were exceptionally small and their diet consisted of large numbers of small prey. There was no evidence of progressive annual changes in the habitat or the diet of salmon in the demonstration channels. However, it would be prudent to arrange for flow fluctuations that would be sufficient to flush finer substrate sediments in a controlled flow residual river, thus maintaining the diversity of prey for juvenile salmon.     

Growth and salt-water tolerance of juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, reared under different combinations of dietary carbohydrate and photoperiod regime

The present study evaluated how different photoperiods, carbohydrate sources and inclusion levels influenced growth, plasma, organ and body compositions in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Four different diets were used, containing 10 or 20% starch on a dry matter basis, using gelatinized corn (C10 and C20) or wheat (W10 and W20). Two different photoperiods were used, Continuous (Con) light throughout the study, Winter (Wi) two initial weeks of continuous light, thereafter 6 weeks of short day, ending with 6 weeks of continuous light. The winter regime resulted in reduced growth rate compared with continuous light. All Wi groups were smaller than Con groups when the experiment was terminated, except for fish given diet C10. Diet W10 resulted in better growth compared with all other groups when exposed to Con. regime. Atlantic salmon fed with diets containing 20% starch had lower growth rates than fish fed diets containing 10% starch, when the same starch source and light regime were compared. All fish belonging to the Con group exhibited similar and higher condition factors compared with fish from groups Wi. Condition factor was not influenced by dietary starch source. Higher whole body lipid concentrations were found when fish were given the corn compared with the wheat diets, without any responses to starch level or light regime. Whole body protein showed increased values in fish exposed to regime Wi compared with Con, without any influence from dietary manipulation. Liver glycogen values and hepatosomatic index reflected dietary starch levels and were significantly influenced by light regime, whilst muscle glycogen levels varied only as a response to light regime with lower values in fish from the Wi compared with the Con groups. Light regime influenced plasma glucose levels, except in groups fed with diet W10. All measured plasma nutrient concentrations were within normal ranges. At the end of the feeding period, all fish were evaluated for glucose and salt water tolerance to ascertain whether diet and/or light regime influenced glucose regulation capacity and/or smolt quality. Fish fed with 20% starch had reduced osmoregulatory ability measured as plasma chloride after a seawater challenge test. Fish from the Wi regime, but not from the Con regime developed characteristics associated with smoltification. Glucose tolerance in Atlantic salmon was substantially influenced by both photoperiod regime and diet. Fish reared under the Wi photoperiod showed reduced glucose regulation capacity compared with fish held under continuous light. Glucose regulation capacity was also reduced in fish adapted to the highest starch levels.     

Behavioral interactions between coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus shawytscha) and prey fish species

Abstract— The predator-prey behavioral interactions between two salmon species, coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) and chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ), and their prey species were examined under laboratory conditions. These behaviors were studied to determine the bases for prey selection by salmon in Lake Michigan and ultimately facilitate predictions on shifts or changes in salmon diets. Chinook and coho salmon captured all prey items in the open water portion of the aquarium, and they had similar attack behaviors. Average attack swimming speeds varied from 2.6 to 3.6 m/s, and average escape swimming speeds varied from 2.6 to 2.9 m/s. There were no significant differences in attack swimming speeds and escape swimming speeds. There was a significant difference in median reactive distances between the prey captured and those that escaped. There was no reactive distance (0.00 m) for 96% and 98% of the successfully captured prey by chinook and coho salmon, respectively. Only 4% and 10% of the unsuccessful attacks by chinook and coho salmon, respectively, had no reactive distance (0.00 m). Salmon would repeatedly attack a school and capture individuals separated from the school. Alewives, bloaters and fathead minnows were easy prey because they remained in the open water portion of the aquarium and stayed in schools until only a few individuals remained. The schooling behavior of spottail shiners and emerald shiners was an effective anti-predation tactic against salmon attacks. After some experience with yellow perch, salmon were reluctant to attack them and would often break off attacks on them. When coho salmon were presented with different proportions of bloaters and yellow perch, they significantly attacked and captured bloaters in preference to yellow perch.     

The susceptibility of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) to cataract formation in relation to dietary changes in early life

A cataractogenic diet (C) and a control diet (A), containing high and low levels, respectively, of calcium, phosphorus and sodium phytate, were fed to juvenile chinook salmon in various sequences for three 42-day periods post swim-up. In addition, a diet (B), containing high levels of calcium and phosphorus but low sodium phytate, was fed for 126 days and in various sequences with diet A. All diets contained 0.06 g of zinc/kg dry diet. Cataracts were detected at day 126 in fish which were fed diet C between days 42 and 84. Fish growth was depressed severely by diet C and to a lesser extent by diet B. It is concluded that juvenile chinook salmon may be most prone to cataract formation between 42 and 84 days after swim-up. The results show that high dietary levels of calcium and phosphorus reduce smolt size and it is suggested that this may compromise marine survival.     

Seasonal growth and diet of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in demonstration channels and the main channel of the Waitaki River, New Zealand, 1982–1983

Abstract– Juvenile chinook salmon in the Waitaki River, New Zealand and demonstration channels, living at about 16°C, increased in length by 0.32 mm day⁻¹ between 4 November and 4 March. They gained weight quickly, accumulated large visceral fat deposits and had high conditions factors. At 1600 h, stomachs averaged half full. The number of prey tended to decline as the fish grew and consumed larger items. Initially the diet was based mainly on chironomid larvae, but by December it included a diversity of prey in more equal proportions. These included Deleatidium in the Waitaki; amphipods in the demonstration channels; various trichopterans, hemipterans, elmid beetles, zooplankton. terrestrial dipterans and a variety of other prey. There were significant differences between sites in numbers of prey consumed and these probably reflected differences in the benthos. Diets in the Waitaki differ from those in the Rakaia River and the food of juvenile salmon appears closely linked to the availability of a diverse range of possible prey.     

Relationship between dietary lipid source, oxidative stress, and the physiological response to stress in sub-yearling chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Relationships between dietary lipid source, stress, and oxidative stress were examined in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Four different experimental diets were used: menhaden oil (MHO; elevated 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3), soybean oil (SBO; elevated 18:2n-6), linseed oil (LSO; elevated 18:3n-3), and a mixture of 55% linseed oil and 45% soybean oil (MIX; approximately equal levels of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3). Juvenile salmon (initial body weight of 16.0 g) were fed experimental diets for 12 weeks (early March to early June). At the end of feeding, fish subjected to a low-water stressor for 96 h had greater liver and brain lipid peroxidation compared to unstressed controls; peroxidation was not influenced by diet. Diet and stress affected plasma cortisol levels. Stressed fish fed SBO had the greatest cortisol concentrations, followed by MIX, MHO, and LSO (mean concentrations for the SBO and LSO diets differed significantly). The cortisol response to stress may have been influenced by the ratio of prostaglandin 1- and 2-series to prostaglandin 3-series precursor fatty acids provided by the different diets. The results of this study suggest a connection between the physiological response to stress, dietary lipid quality, and oxidative stress. This is the first evidence of such a relationship in fish. Abbreviations: AA - arachidonic acid; ACTH - adrenocorticotropin; BHT - butylated hydroxytoluene; BLPO - brain lipid peroxidation; dGLA - dihomo-γ-linolenic acid; DHA - docosahexanoic acid; EPA - eicosapentanoic acid; FER - feed efficiency ratio; FOX - ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange; GLA -γ-linolenic acid; LA - linoleic acid; LCO3 - long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; LLPO - liver lipid peroxidation; LN - linolenic acid; LPO - lipid peroxidation; LSO - linseed oil; MHO - menhaden oil; MIX - 55% linseed oil + 45% soybean oil; PC - plasma cortisol; PG - prostaglandin(s); PGE₂- prostaglandin E₂; PUFA - polyunsaturated fatty acid; SBO - soybean oil. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Purification of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) GH for receptor study

A method for the purification of chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) GH, which retains its biological activity, is described. The biological activity was investigated with an established radioreceptor assay using liver membranes from pregnant rabbits and bovine GH as standard and labelled hormone. The enrichment of the preparation was checked with electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Extraction and further steps were carried out using low molarity alkaline buffer (pH 8–10, M = 100 mM). Three chromatography steps were performed (Concanavalin-A sepharose, Bio-gel P60, DEAE). Ion exchange chromatography was performed under isocratic conditions (using a 50 cm column). Two isoforms (sGH1 and sGH2) were isolated. The purification yield is 0.7% compared to lyophilized pituitaries. The molecule is homogeneous in SDS-PAGE. Contamination by prolactin, gonadotrophin and corticotrophin is negligible (< 0.5%). It could be demonstrated that the biological activity of the preparation is maintained since this preparation stimulates the growth of juvenile trout (Salmo gairdneri) and binds specifically (35%) to trout liver membranes.     

Glucose tolerance in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., dependence on adaption to dietary starch and water temperature

Individually tagged Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., were fed three different adaptation diets containing low, medium or high levels of extruded starch, before intraperitoneal injection of glucose. The injections were done at winter and at summer temperatures. This was to investigate whether the tolerance for glucose varied according to adaption diet and/or according to season. The results showed a temperature-dependent response. At winter temperatures (2°C) the Atlantic salmon had problems adapting to both medium and high levels of dietary starch. This was indicated by lower growth response in the adaptation period, as well as by delayed glucose regulation. At summer temperatures (12.5°C) the Atlantic salmon could tolerate and utilize both medium and high levels of dietary starch. In summer also all groups responded evenly to the tolerance tests with respect to blood glucose regulation. Incorporation of liver glycogen was higher at summer than at winter temperatures in the high- carbohydrate group. No effect was found on haematocrit values as a response to diet or season.     

Experimental production of gastric dilation and its association with osmoregulatory stress and biogenic amines in chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum)

Chinook salmon smolt in fresh water fed a commercial diet known to produce minimal gastric dilation and air sacculitis (GDAS) were randomly assigned to four experimental tanks with flow-through sea water. All four groups were acclimatized to sea water for 3 weeks and fed a diet of minced fresh seafood. After 3 weeks the groups were fed either; seafood as before, a different commercial pelleted diet associated with the development of GDAS on farms, or either diet supplemented with 500 mg L(-1) putrescine, 300 mg L(-1) cadaverine and 250 mg L(-1) tyramine. Gastric dilation was produced in fish fed the commercial diet for 1 month but not by feeding a diet of minced seafood. The addition of putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine to either diet had no significant effect on the development of gastric dilation. Fish fed the commercial diet had significantly (P < 0.0001) wider weight-adjusted stomach widths, less prominent longitudinal stomach folds (P < 0.0001) and lower (P < 0.0001) stomach-width ratios than fish fed the fresh seafood diet. There was no significant difference in serum osmolality or sodium concentration between fish from groups with or without gastric dilation or fed biogenic amines.     

Differences in Ichthyophonus prevalence and infection severity between upper Yukon River and Tanana River chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), stocks

Two genetically distinct populations of chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), were simultaneously sampled at the confluence of the Yukon and Tanana rivers in 2003. Upper Yukon-Canadian fish had significantly higher infection prevalence as well as more severe infections (higher parasite density in heart tissue) than the lower Yukon-Tanana River fish. Both populations had migrated the same distance from the mouth of the Yukon River at the time of sampling but had significantly different distances remaining to swim before reaching their respective spawning grounds. Multiple working hypotheses are proposed to explain the differences between the two stocks: (1) the two genetically distinct populations have different inherent resistance to infection, (2) genetically influenced differences in feeding behaviour resulted in temporal and/or spatial differences in exposure, (3) physiological differences resulting from different degrees of sexual maturity influenced the course of disease, and (4) the most severely infected Tanana River fish either died en route or fatigued and were unable to complete their migration to the Tanana River, thus leaving a population of apparently healthier fish.     

Genetic variation in freshwater survival and growth of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Five pairs of paternal half-sib families were obtained from each of six stocks of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in British Columbia. Life history patterns and size and age at maturity varied among the parental fish used from each stock. The freshwater survival and growth of progeny were monitored under controlled hatchery conditions.Survival of uneyed eggs, alevins, fry, smolts, and cumulative survival to 125–140 days after ponding differed among stocks and among families within stocks. The overall heritabilities (sire component) of survival at all four developmental stages were less than 0.05. Alevin weight, smolt weight, and growth rate differed among stocks and among families within stocks. The heritability (sire component) of smolt weight ranged from 0.0±0.59 to 0.88±0.72 among stocks, with an overall value of 0.0. The success of selection for smolt weight might be stock-dependent.     

Survival of smaller sport caught chinook, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), and coho, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), salmon from Lake Michigan and its management implications

Abstract The survival of small-sized (<50.8 cm) chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), and coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kitsutch (Walbaum), caught by sport fishing was determined to assess the potential for increasing the size limit for these fish. Fishermen were recently catching smaller salmon than in the 1970s, but salmon growth rates had not changed. To be an effective management option, the survival rate of hooked and returned fish must be high. The overall survival rates were high: 76% for chinook salmon and 70% for coho salmon. There was no significant difference in survival of the coho salmon with size of hook used ( P = 0.31). Any mortality among fish was generally acute; fish hooked deep in the mouth or gills generally bled and died shortly after capture. Fish hooked in the gills had a significantly greater mortality ( P = 0.0002). The overall high survival rate for these species was the result of a small proportion of fish being hooked in the gills or deep in the mouth. Since the survival rate of the salmon was high, the size limit could be increased to allow smaller fish to grow to sizes preferred by sport fishermen.