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 significantly 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.