Transport stress in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): anaesthesia and recovery

The effects of metomidate anaesthesia on levels of plasma cortisol, glucose, haematocrit and chloride in Atlantic salmon (1+) (Salmo salar L.), after a 2-h transport and during a 48-h recovery period were investigated. The use of metomidate anaesthesia during transport led to a reduced release of cortisol and signi®cantly lower levels of plasma cortisol after a 48-h recovery period. Plasma glucose did not return to basal level after a 48-h recovery period, indicating that even longer recovery may be needed for the fish to return to a pre-stress state. The results show that metomidate anaesthesia combined with a recovery period lessens the stress burden imposed by hauling and transport.