The influence of feeding history on the acute stress response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The effect of an 80-day maintenance-feeding period on the acute stress response of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, to net confinement was determined. Fish were raised on an optimal feeding level of 20 g food/kg of metabolic fish weight per day (g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹) until 124 days post-hatch (dph). Feeding in group one (L>H) was then reduced to maintenance levels, i.e. 5 g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹ until 204 dph, when the feeding was again increased to 20 g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹. In group two (H>L), the feeding level was reduced from 20 to 5 g/kg^0.8 day⁻¹ on day 146. All fish were sampled at 226 dph. Food ration had significant effects on the growth rate and food conversion values with fish fed the high ration performing better than those on a lower level. Prior to the application of the stressor, only plasma levels of triglycerides were lower in fish fed a low food ration (H>L). Feeding history influenced the onset of the stress response with stressor-induced elevations of plasma cortisol, glucose and free fatty acids being higher in fish fed a high ration compared with those fed a low ration prior to sampling. These results suggest that feeding history through modification of the energy reserves can influence the onset of the acute stress response.