Fasting combined with long catch duration modifies the physio‐metabolic response and flesh quality of rainbow trout

Pre‐slaughter handling involves fasting fish and catching them, which can affect fish welfare and flesh quality, but few studies have considered their combined effects. In this study, adult rainbow trout (320 ± 10 g average weight) were fasted for 7 days (135.6 degree days) and subjected to a long catch duration (20 min), compared with controls (no fasting or short catch duration). Condition factor, organ weight indexes and carcass yield decreased with fasting but not catch duration. Plasma concentrations of cortisol, glucose and lactate increased after a long catch, while plasma triglycerides decreased with fasting. Liver glycogen concentration was lower in fasted fish, and liver luminosity and chroma were higher after fasting with a long catch. Regarding flesh quality, rigor mortis resolved more slowly and final muscle pH at 48 hr post‐mortem was higher for fasted fish with a long catch time. Muscle glycogen concentration was higher in fasted fish, where chroma was also lower. Fasted fish had lower lipid oxidation, but there were no differences in fat content in muscle. Fasted fish with a long catch duration also had less monounsaturated and more saturated fatty acids. In conclusion, a long catch triggered a stress response that had negative effects on flesh quality, independently of fasting.