Anatomical and pathological characteristics of ribs in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and its relevance to soft tissue changes

Studies on the anatomical and pathological characteristics of ribs in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) are warranted due to their possible association with red and melanized focal changes (RFC and MFC) in the fillet, a major quality and animal welfare concern. In this work, we provide an anat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anatomia, histologia, embryologia histologia, embryologia, 2023-05, Vol.52 (3), p.421-436
Main Authors: Brimsholm, Malin, Fjelldal, Per Gunnar, Hansen, Tom, Trangerud, Cathrine, Knutsen, Geir Magne, Asserson, Charlotte Finstad, Koppang, Erling Olaf, Bjørgen, Håvard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal welfare
Animals
Atlantic salmon
fillet
Hemorrhage
histology
melanin
radiology
ribs
Ribs - diagnostic imaging
Salmo salar
Salmon
Statistical analysis
Vascularization
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Summary:Studies on the anatomical and pathological characteristics of ribs in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) are warranted due to their possible association with red and melanized focal changes (RFC and MFC) in the fillet, a major quality and animal welfare concern. In this work, we provide an anatomical description of ribs based on radiographical and histological analyses. We also address various pathological rib changes and their association to RFC and MFC. In total, 129 fish were investigated; captured wild (n = 10) and hatchery reared (n = 119) Atlantic salmon (3.5–6.1 kg). The fish were selected based on the macroscopic presence of RFC, MFC or no changes (controls). Radiographic results revealed costal abnormalities in all fish groups. By histological investigations of the variations herein, our results provide new insight into the anatomical characteristics including vascularization within the ribs; a potential site for haemorrhage following costal fractures. Costal fractures were detected by radiology in 40 of 129 samples (RFC: 38.4%, MFC: 47.2%, controls: 9.5 %). A statistically significant association was found between costal fractures and red (p = 0.007) and melanized changes (p = 0.000). However, red and melanized changes were also observed in samples with no costal fractures (n = 45), indicating that also other factors influence the development of RFC/MFC.
ISSN:0340-2096
1439-0264
DOI:10.1111/ahe.12900