The effect of melatonin treatment on juvenile male Chinook salmon

Abstract

The aim of this trial has been to establish whether melatonin pellets can be successfully incorporated into the blood stream of salmon. Juvenile Chinook salmon were implanted in the dorsal or intraperitoneal sinus, with a control group. Sampling of sih from each group over a three month period showed that melatonin levels were hgiher than natural in the treated groups. Weight gain thought to have been accelerated by the effect of melatonin, and smoltification advanced. The use of melatonin implants on the salmon has been a success.