Rigor Index of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum): study with anesthesia (eugenol) and hypothermia

Consumers rigorously assess the quality of fishing products, considering mainly freshness and appearance. The slaughter method is an important factor in relation to the freshness of the fish, because it maintains important organoleptic characteristics that will influence the marketing of these products, therefore, in this study an evaluation of the Rigor Index (RI%) of cobia was performed. The following methods were used: in desensitizing with eugenol and hypothermia. Immediately after the slaughter, the monitoring of rigor mortis began. In the method of slaughter with eugenol reached full rigor after 6 hours, and in the method by hypothermia lasted 4 hours. The slaughter method with lower stress showed a significant difference, with a positive influence on the duration of the stages of rigor mortis.