Evaluation of the effect of live haulage on metabolites and fillet texture of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Changes in metabolites and meat texture of pan-sized live rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), were examined following commercial, international road haulage. Significant (P < 0.001) increases in water, NH₄⁺ and pH were detected during haulage. Transportation decreased (P < 0.05) dark muscle glycogen and L-lactate. Textural parameters, including hardness, elasticity, and breakpoint of the raw fillet, were unaffected by the haulage process. Muscle pH increased (P < 0.05) both in fish exposed to starvation and transportation when compared to reference fish. The results obtained indicate that haulage has limited effects upon fish flesh quality.