Evaluation of electrical stunning of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in seawater and killing by chilling: wel;fare aspects, product quality and possibilities for implementation

• Published in: Aquaculture Research
• Main Authors: Lambooij, E., Gerritzen, M.A., Reimert, H.G.M., Burggraaf, D., Andre, G., van de Vis, J.W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: anguilla-anguilla l; atlantic salmon; catfish clarias-gariepinus; consciousness; frequency; fresh; rigor-mortis; salmon salmo-salar; slaughter method; texture; Slaughter; Anguilla anguilla; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/evaluation-of-electrical-stunning-of-sea-bass-dicentrarchus-labra; https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2007.01860.x

The objective was to assess neural, behavioural responses and product quality in farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) upon electrical stunning in seawater. The electrical sinusoidal 50 Hz or pulse square wave alternating 133 Hz current induced a general epileptiform insult with a current of 3.3±0.2 or 3 A dm¿2, respectively, for 1 s head to tail in seawater. The total duration of the insult was 48±34 and 23±11 s. After stunning, the electro-cardiogram revealed fibrillation and ceased or showed malfunction. Product quality was assessed in a group electrically stunned, followed by chilling in ice water and the controls were only chilled in ice water. The pH of the fillets was 0.1¿0.2 lower (P