Stress responses in rainbow trout

This chapter reviews the stress concept and the stress response in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. In fact, a substantial part of the research done on stress in fish has been performed in trout. After introducing the concept and definitions, the perception of stressors and the generation of the first reactions is discussed followed by the responses at the genomic and cellular levels. The main consequences of stress are considered, in particular effects on metabolism and energetics, osmoregulation, immunity and disease resistance, reproduction, feed intake and growth. The responses of trout to stress during ontogeny and the response to selective breeding are also reviewed. Finally, the chapter introduces the consideration of welfare as opposite to lack of stress. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.