Article

Liver colour scoring index, carotenoids and lipid content assessment as a proxy for lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) health and welfare condition

Details

Citation

Eliasen K, Patursson EJ, McAdam BJ, Pino E, Morro B, Betancor M, Baily J & Rey S (2020) Liver colour scoring index, carotenoids and lipid content assessment as a proxy for lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) health and welfare condition. Scientific Reports, 10, Art. No.: 8927. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-65535-7

Abstract
Ensuring lumpfish health and welfare in salmon farms is vital to reduce the high mortality rates reported and to guarantee a high delousing efficiency. Recent observations of farmed lumpfish livers have shown colours ranging from pale (colours 1 and 2), through bright orange (colours 3 and 4), to dark reddish-brown (colours 5 and 6), some of which may be related to welfare condition. To characterize the status of lumpfish deployed in four Faroese salmon farms, several welfare indicators were assessed: a weight-length relationship, scoring of external physical damage, and after dissection, stomach content and liver colour scoring. Liver samples were weighed, stored and analysed for lipid content, lipid classes, total pigments, fatty acid profile and histopathology to explain the differences between the mentioned liver colours. Bright orange livers, liver colours 3 and 4, were related to increased levels of carotenoid pigments rather than levels of lipids and appear to reflect good fish welfare. However, dark reddish-brown colours, liver colours 5 and 6, were associated with very low levels of triacyl glycerides in the liver, indicating use of lipid reserves and poor welfare condition. Histopathology confirmed that the dark reddish-brown livers, liver colours 5 and 6, formed a distinct group. Thus, liver colour was shown to be a good welfare indicator and should be monitored in farms.

Journal
Scientific Reports: Volume 10

StatusPublished
FundersSAIC Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre
Publication date31/12/2020
Publication date online02/06/2020
Date accepted by journal06/05/2020
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/31228
eISSN2045-2322

People (2)

Dr Monica Betancor

Dr Monica Betancor

Associate Professor, Institute of Aquaculture

Professor Sonia Rey Planellas

Professor Sonia Rey Planellas

Professor, Institute of Aquaculture

Projects (1)