Essential oil of Lippia alba in the transport of Nile tilapia

Óleo essencial de Lippia alba no transporte de tilápia-do-Nilo

ABSTRACT:

This study aimed to examine the action of the essential oil ofLippia alba (EOLA) in the stress response for transport of Nile tilapiaOreochromis niloticus . The fish were transported into three treatments (in triplicate): control, 10 and 20 µL L^-1 EOLA, with loading density of 15 fish/plastic bags for 8h. Plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased in fish exposed to 20µL L^-1 EOLA in comparison with the control group and fish exposed to 10µL L^-1 EOLA, but the plasma cortisol, lactate and paraoxonase levels were similar. Un-ionized ammonia and ventilatory rate demonstrated a significant reduction in the treatments with the use of EOLA. In conclusion the use of 20µL L^-1 EOLA is indicated for Nile tilapia transport.

Key words:
Oreochromis niloticus; stress; glucose; cortisol; ventilatory rate