Document type: scientific article published in Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences
Authors: Łosiewicz B, Szudrowicz H.
French summary (translation): Impact de la méthode d'abattage sur le stress chez la carpe commune biologique (Cyprinus carpio)
Aquaculture is changing due to global food demand. Common carp is a popular fish raised in ponds, mainly by small and medium-sized organic farms. This practice is associated with environmental and quality advantages, but also with high costs and low production density. Despite being an important sector of the food industry, the ethics of slaughter methods in aquaculture are poorly perceived. Implementing the least stressful slaughter method would guarantee better fish welfare. The aim of this study is to determine the optimal strategy among commonly used and validated fish-killing techniques. To assess the level of stress experienced by the fish, the following biochemical blood parameters were analyzed: cortisol, glucose, lactic acid and cholesterol levels, as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. In conclusion, the slaughter methods used in the experiment involved three main stress factors: handling time, damage to the fish body and stunning method. After analysis, we recommend percussion followed by brain destruction as the least stressful method.
Summary in English (original): Aquaculture is transforming due to global food demand. Organic carp is a popular fish farmed in ponds, mostly by small and medium enterprises. This is associated with environmental and quality benefits, but also high costs and low production density. Despite being a large sector of food industry, the ethics of aquaculture slaughter methods are perceived as inferior. Implementing the least stressful killing method would ensure better welfare of fish. This study aimed to determine the most optimal strategy among commonly used and approved fish sacrificing techniques. To assess the level of stress experienced by fish, the following biochemical blood parameters were analysed: cortisol, glucose, lactic acid and cholesterol levels, as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. In conclusion, slaughter methods used in the experiment involved three main stress factors: handling time, fish body damage and stunning method. After analysis, we would recommend percussion followed by brain destruction as the least stressful method.
