Cambios en los índices biométricos y de bienestar en doradas (Sparus aurata) criadas en jaulas marinas en condiciones comerciales

This study evaluated morphometric and somatic indexes, carcass and fillet yields, skeletal and somatic abnormalities as well as caudal fin erosion in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) reared in sea cages under commercial conditions according to the supplier origin and the harvest season. A total of 540 fish (367 ± 46 g) were harvested at two different seasons (autumn and spring; 270 fish per season) from three suppliers from the Mediterranean area (Turkey, Greece and Croatia; 180 fish per supplier; 90 fish/supplier/season) characterized by different farming and management practices. Data were evaluated according to season and origin with interaction. Seabream harvested in autumn were heavier, with a higher condition factor, carcass and fillet yields compared with those harvested in spring. On the other hand, fish harvested in spring showed a higher rate of skeleton deformations. Seabream from Turkey were significantly smaller and lighter but fatter, with greater intraperitoneal fat index, condition factor, carcass and fillet yields compared with those from Croatia and Greece. On the other hand, fish from Greece displayed a higher rate of mouth and skeleton deformations as well as a higher score of caudal fin erosion compared with those from Croatia and Turkey. Finally, seabream from Croatia showed a higher proportion of male ripened gonads compared with those from Greece and Turkey.