Utilização do óleo essencial de Lippia alba no transporte de alevinos de surubim (Pseudoplatystoma Sp)

Abstract

The transport of fish in aquaculture is an essential practice however this management promotes adverse reactions of fish, stress. This study evaluated the influence of essential oil of Lippia alba on stress responses of catfish (Pseudoplatystoma sp) submitted to transport in plastic bags for 4 hours. The experimental design was completely randomized (DIC) consisting of different concentrations of Lippia alba (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 mg L-1) with three replications. 150 juvenile catfish Pseudoplatystoma sp were used. Mean body weight and length were 58.6 ± 9.2g and 17.3 ± 1.4 cm. Blood samples were taken in fish at the times: before shipping, after transport, 24h and 48h after transport in all treatments (n = 9) for evaluation of hematological, electrolytic (Na, K), plasma glucose and cortisol. The results were submitted to analysis of variance (P <0.05) and mean when significant were compared by Tukey test (P <0.05). The results showed no effect on the reduction of stress, although it decreased fish handling during transport. The concentrations used of Lippia alba promoted increased plasma glucose levels in surubins, however, cortisol, electrolyte balance and blood indexes, have not changed, demonstrating that the use of Lippia alba independent of dose served as stressor.