The effects of different slaughtering methods on rigor mortis and flesh quality parameters were investigated. Eighty tench were divided into four groups, whereby each group was slaughtered using a different method: percussive stunning (PS), live chilling (LC), asphyxia (CO2), or electrical stunning (ES). Progression of rigor mortis (RM) was recorded (30 h) as well as pH, colour, cooking losses,
... [Show full abstract] texture, drip losses and free water after 24 h of storage at +2°C. The PS group showed a delayed onset of RM when compared to the other groups and with a later beginning of rigor resolution. The highest rigor index values were shown in the PS and CO2 groups, and were reached at 24 and 20 h post-mortem, respectively. ES fish exhibited a significantly faster rigor onset when compared to the PS group. At 24 h, pH was not affected by the stunning methodology, nor were the colour or texture characteristics, even when a trend was observed (PS>ES>CO2>LC) for the latter parameter. This research is evidence of how stunning procedures prior to slaughter have a significant effect on rigor mortis development, whereas no differences were found concerning quality parameters.