Effect of thermal acclimation on zones of tolerance in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum

I will be testing rearing at different temperature groups in order to determine if there is a significant difference on growth, digestibility, aerobic capacity and cardiac thermal tolerance caused by different temperatures acclimations. Rainbow trout at Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre will be acclimated at six water temperatures (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25C). Body mass affects rates of biological processes, as shown through an allometric relation in metabolic scaling. Since increased food efficiency increases growth rate, growth and digestibility trials will occur over an 8-week period to measure the effect acclimation has. Reduced aerobic scope is linked to reduced growth and declines above the optimal temperature. It is of interest to see if this aerobic scope curve will shift right to match the previous warm-adapted traits of the trout. Therefore, resting metabolic rate and maximum metabolic rate will be measured using intermittent-flow respirometry in order to determine the aerobic scope. As rate of oxygen consumption increases exponentially with temperature, heart rate does as well. Electrocardiograph probes will be used to measure the maximum cardiac output in increasing water temperature of each temperature treatment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anthony Farrell

Student:

Partner:

University of Western Australia

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: