The effects of carbon monoxide on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Atlantic salmon were exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) before the fish were percussively killed and gill cut. The fish were compared against a control group treated identically, without CO. Salmon exposed to CO expressed no adverse reactions and were easily stunned by percussion. CO-treated salmon had an earlier onset of rigor mortis and a faster decrease in muscle pH than the control group. No significant difference in drip loss was found between salmon treated with CO and the control. A significantly deeper red colour of both gills and fillets of CO-treated salmon was observed 10 days post mortem. Significantly higher levels of plasma lactate and potassium were found in CO-treated salmon compared to control, as well as a lower level of pCO2. Exposure to CO did not increase plasma cortisol, sodium, haematocrit or glucose; however, lactate was high. Exposure of salmon or other fish to CO could improve quality and welfare when slaughtered.

Research highlights
► Atlantic salmon exposed to CO or not (control), percussively killed and gill cut.
► CO-treated salmon: earlier onset of rigor mortis and faster decrease in muscle pH.
► A deeper red colour of gills and fillets of CO-treated salmon, 10 days post mortem.
► Exposure to CO did not increase plasma cortisol, sodium, haematocrit or glucose.