Effect of diet and season on quality of farmed Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua L.)

Abstract

Three groups of farmed Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua L.) fed dry or moist feeds were followed through a production cycle from 800 to 2500 g. Five samplings were made at quarterly intervals; December, March, June, September and December. At each sampling, fillet yield, skin colour and muscle pH were measured at slaughter, and skin colour, pH, and texture of raw fillets and sensory evaluations of cooked loins were assessed 3 days after slaughter. Skin colour showed seasonal variations, particularly when measured at slaughter, with the skin being lightest during the winter. The skin became also markedly darker after 3 days storage. The dry feed group had highest growth rates, and also highest liver content. The general trend was, however, that some differences in the parameters studied were recorded for feed groups within each sampling, but differences were not consistent between samplings. Thus, the characteristics of the cod appeared to be little influenced by the type of feed they received.