Abstract

This study assessed the effect of transportation on oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and protein (PRO)) and liver function profile (aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) of African catfish juveniles transported for six hours in plastic jerry cans. The tested durations were 1hr, 3 hrs, and 6 hrs (three replicates each) and blood sample was collected immediately after transportation (day 0), three (day 3) and six (day 6) recovery days. MDA showed a significant decrease (P <0.05) across the recovery periods with the highest and lowest MDA mean values observed in fish on Day 0 and day 6 respectively. However, the MDA mean values increased with increase transport duration. A significant increase (P<0.05) of GPX and PRO mean values were observed across the recovery periods and the transport durations as compared to the control group. The mean values of AST and ALT for both control group and transported fish decreased as the recovery day progressed. Each transport duration showed significant increase (P<0.05) among the recovery days with day 0 having the highest values while the lowest values were observed on day 6. From the result of this study, it is concluded that transportation may be considered a strong stressor to catfish juveniles and thus affect the health status of the fish.