Abstract
BACKGROUND: During live transportation of Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus), stressors and bacterial regrowth pose significant challenges for animal welfare and lead to decline in fish quality. Some chemical additives are commonly used in transport water; however, their efficacy and doses are not well established. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different water additives used during live transportation of Climbing perch, in terms of their effects on water quality, bacterial regrowth and degree of stress imposed on fish. METHODS: Experiments were conducted under two groups: (1) on-farm under laboratory conditions and (2) on-field in a real fish supply channel from the production sites to the retail market. In the on-farm experiment, tank waters were treated with some additives such as salt, methylene blue (MB) and electromin saline (ES), separately and in combination. The most effective additives and their dosages obtained after on-farm experiment were applied in the on-field experiment. Changes in water quality parameters, bacterial load and the degree of stress imposed on fish were followed. RESULTS: Treated tanks showed improved outcomes in terms of maintaining better water quality, significantly reducing bacterial regrowth and alleviating fish stress. Concentrations of 2.0 ppt salt, 2.0 ppt saline, 1.0 ppm MB and a combination of 2.0 ppt saline + 1.0 ppm MB proved to be highly effective in combating poor water quality, stressful conditions and bacterial regrowth during live transport of Climbing perch. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MB with ES/salt was found effective and could be adopted by fish farmers and traders to minimize fish quality deterioration, mortality and financial losses.