Characterization and Alleviation of Stress Associated with Hauling Largemouth Bass

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Abstract
Stress and mortality associated with truck transport of largemouth bass M. salmoides were characterized during and after simulated hauling periods of up to 30 h at a density of 180 g fish/l of water. Generally, transported fish had significantly elevated concentrations of plasma glucose and corticosteroids and decreased plasma chloride concentrations and osmolality. Significant mortality was associated with hauls of 24 and 30 h (38% and 83-92%, respectively). Plasma characteristics returned to near-normal values 3-28 days after being hauled; recovery time generally was related to length of haul and associated mortality. Stress was reduced significantly and mortality was eliminated when fish were treated for diseases, held 72 h without food before they were loaded, anesthetized before they were loaded, hauled at a cool temperature in physiological concentrations of salts with an antibiotic and a mild anesthetic, and allowed to recover in the same medium less the anesthetic.