Investigations on the Serum Polymorphism of Trout and Carp

Abstract

The extensive increase in trout production and therefore the growing deficiencies of these fish by infectious diseases have induced greater activities in the rearing of disease-resistent races. Stamping out of disease alone by chemicals is not possible, even ignoring the residual problem. About 4 years ago these reflections forced the author to attack the following question with the help of ichthyological colleagues: whether among the trouts of today in the Federal German Republic tribes or races exist which are producing antibodies against the most important infectious agents in a most excessive manner. Creyssel et al. just as Langholz et al. were appointed to investigate these circumstances some time ago. Following these efforts the serum pattern of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson) and the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) was analyzed by disc-electro-phoresis. Significant variations were found which are to be discussed here.

The investigations were realized by help of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, to whom we are indebted.