Role Of Sedative And Anaesthetic Drugs In Aquaculture

By : Dinesh R , Sherry Abraham , Nalini Poojary , G. Kantharajan , U. Sivagurunathan

Page No: 305-313

Abstract
Aquaculture practices include different operations such as netting, handling, sizing, grading, weighing, transportation, disease treatment etc. The cultured animal faces a serious stress situation while carrying out any of the above activity or a combination of these activities. These stress conditions ultimately results in the mortality of the fishes following an intermediate sign of physical injury, loss of appetite and poor growth. As a consequence, the aquaculturists encounter severe economic losses. In order to prevent these stress induced mortalities, sedation and anaesthetic technique proves to be a valid and reliable one to enable a variety of operations. The technique is well performed with the employment of medicines known as sedatives and anaesthetics which includes a variety of products of both natural and synthetic origin. This article provides insight into the phases and fish behavioural changes occurring under sedation and anaesthetic treatment as well as the common sedatives and anaesthetics used in and tested for use in aquaculture.

Authors :
R. Dinesh, Chandra Prakash and Sherry Abraham
Division of Aquaculture, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400061, India
 

Nalini Poojary and G. Kantharajan
Aquatic Environment and Health Management Division, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400061, India

U. Sivagurunathan
Fish Nutrition, Physiology and Biochemistry Division, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai-400061, India