Impact of two telemetry transmitter implantation incision suturing methods on the physiological state and condition of perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine the impact on European perch, Perca fluviatilis L. (mean body weight – 78.33 g) of the intraperitoneal implantation of telemetry transmitters using different suturing methods. In the first experiment silk sutures were used (experiment I – group ST), while in the second tissue adhesive was used (experiment II – group GT). Following the procedure, the fish were kept for 42 days in a recirculating system. Differences in growth and condition parameters were only noted in the first week of the experiment. Specimens from group GT had lower values for DGR (daily growth rate) and SGR (specific growth rate), but a higher value for FCR (feed conversion ratio) values. For the hematological parameters, lower values of MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and PLT (blood platelets) were noted in group GT, while for the biochemical parameters, lowered ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity and Mg (magnesium) concentrations were noted in group ST. In group ST, 33.3% of the specimens loss their tags, while in group GT 77.8% did so. Differences in incision healing were only noted in the second week, when specimens in group ST were observed to have fully closed incisions, while in group GT 50% of the incisions were open. Despite the high percentage of implantation incision healing in both groups, because of the high values of tag loss rate, neither method can be recommended for perch. It might be more effective to use tag with external antennae in this species. The method use for closing implantation incisions also must be improved to eliminate tag shedding.