Atas de Saúde Ambiental (Dec 2016)
AMMONIA CONCENTRATION IN THE WATER OF NILE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) SPECIMENS INOCULATED WITH PORCINE CIRCOVIRUS 2 (PCV2)
Abstract
The aim of this work was to verify the possible influence of PCV2 on the ammonia excretion by fish inoculated with this virus. Juvenile Nile tilapia specimens were inoculated intramuscularly with PCV2. Ammonia level, pH and temperature were measured daily for 40 days. Aquarium water was always exchanged after measurement.The difference in ammonia concentration was statistically significant between inoculated fish groups and the control group {[G1(0.1 mL of PCV2)/CG (control group); t = 6,484; p = 0.000] and [G2 (PCV2 0.2mL)/GC; t = 2.99; p = 0.005]}, as well as in between inoculated groups (G1/G2 t = 5,542, p = 0.000). Results indicate the possibility that the PCV2 infection caused an increase in ammonia production and its branchial excretion by the inoculated fish.