Pre-harvest dietary enrichment with α-tocopherol acetate in combination with different post-harvest processing
techniques was investigated with regard to quality degradation of farmed barramundi (Lates calcarifer), during
chilled storage. Fish were fed commercial rearing diets supplemented with two levels of α-tocopherol acetate
(standard level 192 mg kg−1 and enriched level 628 mg kg−1
). During 5 months of feeding, α-tocopherol content
of fish fed the enriched diet increased significantly from an initial concentration of 13.67 to 24.18 mg kg−1 after
56 days. After this period fish were harvested and subjected to 14 day chilled (2 °C) storage as either fillets or
whole ungutted fish. Dietary α-tocopherol enrichment in combination with storing fish whole and ungutted
constrained lipid oxidation over 14 days of storage, in comparison lipid oxidation was significantly higher in
fish fed the standard diet and filleted prior to storage. Filleting also resulted in significant colour changes with
reddening and yellowing of the flesh in conjunction with significantly lower flesh pH compared to barramundi
stored whole and ungutted. These results indicate that dietary enrichment with α-tocopherol acetate in combination
with storing fish whole and ungutted is the most effective strategy in constraining lipid oxidation and colour
fluctuations in barramundi flesh during chilled storage.
Statement of relevance: Our findings show that dietary enrichment with α-tocopherol acetate, combined with
whole ungutted storage, is effective in preventing lipid oxidation and associated deteriorations in product quality
in farmed barramundi flesh during chilled storage. These findings can be used to optimise shelf life of tropical
farmed fish.
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