Evaluation of bioelectrical impedance analysis and Fulton’s condition factor as nonlethal techniques for estimating short-term responses in postsmolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to food availabili

We evaluated measures of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and Fulton’s condition factor (K) as potential nonlethal indices for detecting short-term changes in nutritional condition of postsmolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Fish reared in the laboratory for 27 days were fed, fasted, or fasted and then refed. Growth rates and proximate body composition (protein, fat, water) were measured in each fish to evaluate nutritional status and condition. Growth rates of fish responded rapidly to the absence or reintroduction of food, whereas body composition (% wet weight) remained relatively stable owing to isometric growth in fed fish and little loss of body constituents in fasted fish, resulting in nonsignificant differences in body composition among feeding treatments. The utility of BIA and Fulton’s K as condition indices requires differences in body composition. In our study, BIA measures were not significantly different among the three feeding treatments, and only on the final day of sampling was K of fasted vs. fed fish significantly different. BIA measures were correlated with body composition content; however, wet weight was a better predictor of body composition on both a content and concentration (% wet weight) basis. Because fish were growing isometrically, neither BIA nor K was well correlated with growth rate. For immature fish, where growth rate, rather than energy reserves, is a more important indicator of fish condition, a nonlethal index that reflects shortterm changes in growth rate or the potential for growth would be more suitable as a condition index than either BIA measures or Fulton�

Measurements of resistance and reactance in fish with the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis: sources of error

New technologies can be riddled with unforeseen sources of error, jeopardizing the validity and application of their advancement. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a new technology in fisheries research that is capable of estimating proximate composition, condition, and energy content in fish quickly, cheaply, and (after calibration) without the need to sacrifice fish. Before BIA can be widely accepted in fisheries science, it is necessary to identify sources of error and determine a means to minimize potential errors with this analysis. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments to identify sources of errors within BIA measurements. We concluded that electrode needle location, procedure deviations, user experience, time after death, and temperature can affect resistance and reactance measurements. Sensitivity analyses showed that errors in predictive estimates of composition can be large (>50%) when these errors are experienced. Adherence to a strict protocol can help avoid these sources of error and provide BIA estimates that are both accurate and precise in a field or laboratory setting.

Electrical phase angle as a new method to measure fish condition

In this study, phase angle (the ratio of resistance and reactance of tissue to applied electrical current) is presented as a possible new method to measure fish condition. Condition indices for fish have historically been based on simple weight-at-length relationships, or on costly and timeconsuming laboratory procedures that measure specific physiological parameters. Phase angle is introduced to combine the simplicity of a quick field-based measurement with the specificity of laboratory analysis by directly measuring extra- and intracellular water distribution within an organism, which is indicative of its condition. Phase angle, which can be measured in the field or laboratory in the time it takes to measure length and weight, was measured in six species of fish at different states (e.g., fed vs. fasted, and postmortem) and under different environmental treatments (wild vs. hatchery, winter vs. spring). Phase angle reflected different states of condition. Phase angles <15° indicated fish in poor condition, and phase angles >15° indicated fish that were in better condition. Phase angle was slightly affected by temperatures (slope = – 0.19) in the 0–8°C range and did not change in fish placed on ice for <12 hours. Phase angle also decreased over time in postmortem fish because of cell membrane degradation and subsequent water movement from intra- to extracellular (interstitial) spaces. Phase angle also reflected condition of specific anatomical locations within the fish.

Preliminary experiments on electrical fishing in fresh watter [i.e. water]

Fishing using electricity is a new technique and is still in the experimental stages in many of the advanced countries. While no published records are available in India, considerable work has been done in Germany, United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. These papers mainly deal with the behavior of the fish in the electrical field, the physiological effects of electrical current on fishes, methods of electrofishing, electric fencing etc. The following experiments on electrical fishing were conducted with a view to studying the distribution of electrical field when an alternating current is passed through two fixed electrodes in fresh water and to study the reaction of different fresh water fishes to the field.

Impulse generator for electrical fishing

Since impulse current has been found to be more economical and more effective for conducting electrical fishing an impulse generator was designed and fabricated. The principle and description of the impulse generator are given in the paper. Even though it is not giving theoretical value of the impulse voltages it has been found that for conducting electrical fishing it is producing necessary voltages.

On the response of zooplankton in an electrical field

Zooplankton showed directional movement towards the positive electrode in an electrical field till the current continued to flow. Examination of the plankton 24 hours after their exposure for one minute to different current densities showed considerable mortality, the percentage of which was more in the case of the larger size groups.

On the response of Catla catla (Ham) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham) to the voltage gradient of electrical field

The threshold body voltage (voltage gradient between head and tail) required for first reaction, electro-taxis and electro-narcosis depended upon species, conductivity of the fish body, nature of current and wave shape. Larger fishes showed first reaction at a lower body voltage than smaller ones. All the three reactions were dependent on the accommodation of nerves to the electrical field and subsequent fatigue of the fishes. No significant change was observed in the period of narcosis and recovery after repeated stimulation.

On the effect of electrical field on Indian carps in captivity

Threshold current densities required for narcosis of fish in captivity differed in different species. Increased temperature of the water had greater effect on the fishes while changes of pH had no appreciable effect on narcosis in the fishes. Impulse currents of 50 V were found to have better effect on the fishes than continuous current of 180-220 V.

Preliminary observations on the effect of electrical seine on fish catch

Forty-six experiments were done with the electric seine in 24 tanks with a.c. and interrupted a.c. The source of electrical energy was a 3 Kw a.c. generator of water-cooled diesel engine. A control seining without applying electricity was conducted for every experiment with electric "seine" to have a comparison for the efficiency of electric "seine" over control ones. Electric seine was found to have an increased catch over control seining both in numbers and in weight. Electric seine with two electrodes was found to have better effect over three electrodes. Benthic fishes like Cirrhina mrigala, Notopterus notopterus, Cyprinus carpio, Glassogobius giuris, Ophicephalus sp. and Mystus sp. were found to be more sensitive in electric "seine". Increased catch of small fishes like C. mrigala, N, notopterus and Ophicephalus sp. has been observed in electrical "seine" in addition to larger ones.

On the behaviour of marine crustaceans in an electrical field of alternating current

The minimum flow of current essential to produce electro-narcosis and fixation in marine crustaceans, Metapenaeus affinis, Parapenaeopsis stylifera, Panulirus ornatus and Neptunus sanguinofentus in an AC field of specific strength varied with the lengths of animals tested, except in case of the last one where the increase in size of animals showed no significant effect on the effective period for different reactions. M. affinis in interrupted AC required threshold pulses for narcosis and fixation, which varied inversely with the length of the organism. Animals subjected to current of higher effective period required longer time for recovery in interrupted AC of 50 c/s. The period for narcosis and recovery of M. affinis did not vary significantly with repeated stimulations on the same organism.

On the selection of effective impulse frequencies for specific movements of fish in an electrical field

In order to determine effective pulse limits for Salmo irideus, Cyprinus carpio, Gasterosteus aculeatus, Tinca tinca, Salmo fario and ldus melanotus in impulse D. C. for galvanotaxis and galvanonarcosis, studies were carried out with rectangular and square impulses. The narcotizing pulse limits remained constant for each variety in an impulse D. C. of specific wave form. The anodic effect of fishes was better in square wave form and varied with the variation of temperature of surrounding medium. S. fario reacted better when placed parallel to the lines of electrical force. Transversal escape movement occured when the axis of fish body was at right angles to the direction of current.

On the measurement of concentration of blanching brine by electrical conductivity method

Blanching is an important operation in the shrimp canning process, in order to bring down the moisture content of the product to the required level, to allow the proteins to coagulate and to give proper texture, shape and characteristic pink colour to the meat. It has been observed that among other factors responsible for fluctuations in the drained weight in the canned prawns, concentration of brine used for blanching and the duration of blanching are important (Varma, Chaudhury and Pillai 1961). The papers gives details of experiments

Reliability and need for standardisation of electrical systems in small wooden fishing vessels

The working condition and atmosphere in a wooden fishing vessel are generally most injurious to the electrical systems. Therefore great care has to be taken in designing electrical systems for small c1afts. This paper deals with the difficult operating conditions and standardisation of electrical systems as applicable to small fishing vessels.