Stunning and killing of spottet wolffish prior to slaughter

Summary

A total of 25 spottet wolffish with average weigh of 3.65 kg were one at the time exposed for electricity (95 V, AC+DC) for 6 (n=12) and 12 seconds (n=13). The conscious condition from each fish was evaluated prior to exsanguination an followed to death. The fish was then gutted and stored for 3 days before filleted and examined for hematomas. Results show that all fish were rendered unconscious from the electrical current. All behavioral and basic reflexed such as responsiveness, eyerolling and opercular ventilation were lost until death ensue. At filleting none of the fish had any signs of vertebral injuries or hemorrhage in the muscle. All appearing nice and white. Gaping was almost absent. We conclude the electrical stunning using AC+DC with dry stunners, in combination with exsanguination, is a humane killing method for farmed spotted wolfish. Limiting the current duration to 6 seconds works equally as with 12 seconds, which will have positive effect on quality, and therefore recommended.