Histopathological indicators: a useful fish health monitoring tool in common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) culture

Abstract

In order to evaluate the relationship between water quality in ponds and indices of histopathological changes occurring in the vital organs of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758), two six-month field experiments were carried out using two different water supplies: from the nearby stream and a tube well. The fish were fed supplemental feed: raw cereals, pelleted and extruded compound feed. Histopathological analysis, alteration frequencies, and semi-quantitative scoring of the changes were used to assess the health status of the fish. Ponds supplied by stream water were characterized by higher water hardness, dissolved oxygen and pH values, while those supplied by the tube well had higher electroconductivity, total ammonium and orthophosphates content. Fish survival rate and habitat suitability index were lower in ponds supplied by stream water, while the weight gain did not differ between the two water supplies. The use of stream water resulted in a higher level of histopathological changes in gills and liver. Among the water quality parameters, pH level had the strongest influence on fish. Differences in water supply produced greater influence on the level of histopathological changes than the type of feed applied. Gills were the most sensitive organ, while the kidney was the least responsive.

Integrative approach of histopathology and histomorphometry of common carp (Cyprinus carpioL.) organs as a marker of general fish health state in pond culture

“…These results are in line with a similar study published earlier (Rašković et al . ), and are the result of digestive pressure on the liver due to the higher levels of proteins and lipids in the feed. On the other hand, increased presence of EGC and leucocytes could point to a slight to mild inflammatory reaction (Reite ).…”

“…Recently, studies were published confirming that HP is a useful indicator of fish health in earthen ponds. The differences between ponds at the same fish farm have been demonstrated (Rašković, Poleksić, Živić & Spasić ), as well as correlation between the water quality and the levels of HP indices when different water sources are used (Rašković, Jarić, Koko, Spasić, Dulić, Marković & Poleksić ).…”

Compound feeds and cereals as potential tools for improved carp Cyprinus carpio production

“…Most studies dealing with compound feeds, however, have focused on the rearing of juvenile carp at high stocking densities (>1200 ind. ha −1 ; Rašković et al 2013Rašković et al , 2016Rašković et al , Živić et al 2014Rašković et al , Ć irić et al 2015, with almost none having examined the rearing of marketable sized carp.…”

A histology-based fish health assessment of farmed seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

“…The overall effect of all these factors is reflected by the histological status of an organ (Baeverfjord and Krogdahl, 1996;Salamat and Zarie, 2012; Van der Oost et al, 2003;Zimmerli et al, 2007). This tool is being extensively used in wild fish to assess aquatic pollution (Handy et al, 2002;Lukin et al, 2011;Marchand et al, 2009;McHugh et al, 2011McHugh et al, , 2013Torres et al, 2014;Van Dyk et al, 2009;Zimmerli et al, 2007) but rarely applied in farmed fish (Coz-Rakovac et al, 2005;Raskovic et al, 2013). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of the use of a histological tool, the semi-quantitative system proposed by Bernet et al (1999), to unravel the health condition of farmed fish.…”