Effect of a Partial Loss of Scales and Mucous on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

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Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine what part partial scaling and partial desliming might play in the surival of trout. Carbohydrate metabolism in these trout was studied and in addition, hemoglobin levels and red cell volumes were studied to serve as indicators of osmotic shifts of water. Increases in lactate were minimal and occurred during the first few hours of holding after the removal of l/6th to 1/4 of the scales. There were slight changes in hemoglobin levels and red cell volumes which appeared to coincide with activity as reflected by lactate levels. There was a 3- to 4-fold increase in the blood glucose level of partially scaled fish. Liver glycogen levels dropped to l/7th of the air-dipped control value for fish that had been l/6th scaled and held in holding baskets for a period of 140 hr. Only 1 mortality occurred in all the experiments. The following conclusions were reached. Partial loss of scales or mucous does not result in the death of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Partial scaling or desliming of the fish was accompanied by a significant increase in blood glucose (p< 0.05).