Abstract

During salmonid development, some disturbances in the bone mineralization processes can occur, which, consequently, affect the microstructure of the bone. The objective of this work was to evaluate the composition of the bone and to perform an elemental quantification (Ca/P) of it, using physicochemical analysis tech-niques, such as: i) Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to EDX (SEM-EDX), ii) Total Reflection X-ray Fluo-rescence (TXRF), and iii) BET Surface Area Analysis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with bone de-formation. Ten rainbow trout specimens weighing 400 grams and measuring from 25 to 35cms in length were analyzed, of which five were normal specimens and five had a mandibular deformation. The results show an increase in bone porosity and microfractures, associated with a moderate decrease in the bone mineral content.

Keywords:Deformation; Rainbow trout; Elemental physicochemical analysis