Temperature-dependent morbidity of ‘nicked’ edible crab, Cancer pagurus

Johnson, L., Coates, C., Albalat, A., Todd, K. and Neil, D. (2016) Temperature-dependent morbidity of ‘nicked’ edible crab, Cancer pagurus. Fisheries Research, 175, pp. 127-131. (doi: 10.1016/j.fishres.2015.11.024)

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Abstract

The combined effect(s) of holding temperature and claw immobilisation (nicking) on Cancer pagurus were investigated. Creel captured animals (n = 48) were maintained at 4 °C, 8 °C and 12 °C for 14 days in order to mimic environmental conditions in commercial holding facilities. The consequences of nicking on animal health were assessed by measuring physiological and immune-related parameters in the haemolymph: total protein concentration, l-lactate, pH, haemocyte counts and phenoloxidase activities. Mortality was most severe in nicked crabs held at 12 °C (83%) compared to non-nicked crabs held at the same temperature (16.7%) or nicked crabs held at lower temperatures (16.7% at 8 °C and 0% at 4 °C). Stress-related parameters such as l-lactate and pH were only affected in the most extreme condition (crabs nicked at 12 °C). However, phenoloxidase activities increased significantly (even in control groups) with increasing temperature, an effect that was exacerbated by the nicking process.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Financial support was provided by the University of Glasgow, the University of Stirling and the Nesbit-Cleland Trust (St Abbs Marine Station, Scotland, UK).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Neil, Professor Douglas and Albalat, Dr Amaya
Authors: Johnson, L., Coates, C., Albalat, A., Todd, K., and Neil, D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Fisheries Research
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0165-7836
ISSN (Online):1872-6763

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