Fish silage is a lique ed product resulting from tissue hydrolysis and the richness of the silage is characterized by its nutritional pro le comprising of proteins, amino acids, and fats. For the production of sh silage of high nutritional value, a precise assessment of the degree of hydrolysis, particularly proteolysis becomes a paramount importance. The goal of this study is to assess the changes in protein content in sh silage prepared from the Indian mackerel, (Rastrelliger kanagutra) waste using 10% (v/w) sugarcane molasses, during 8 days of fermentation (DoF). The resultant ensiled product was evaluated for changes in titratable acidity, nutrients, total protein, total carbohydrate, total lipids content, and amino acid composition. Altogether, 17 types of amino acids were identi ed. Concentrations of total amino acids (15.627 ± 0.03 mg/g) and free amino acids (5.556 ± 0.08 mg/g) peaked at the end of 6 DoF with the predominance of histidine, arginine, alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Results of the non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) plots and one-way analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) test indicated signi cant differences in the composition of total amino acids at different DoF were discernible (nMDS, stress 0.03162, one-way ANOSIM R = 1; p < 0.0001). Similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis indicated that maximum content of amino acids (TAA and FAA) were released in silage during 4-6 DoF. A signi cant difference was observed in concentrations of most amino acids except cysteine, serine, and tryptophan (ANOVA, p < 0.05) at 2,4,6 and 8 DoF. Considering the vital role played by amino acids in providing resistance to plant pathogens as well as contributing to animal nutritional supplements, the results of the present study are highly noteworthy.
Statement Of NoveltyThe current study was performed to explore the approach for the preparation of biological sh silage for different DoF. Liqui ed sh silage by the biological method was rapid with a shorter incubation period (4-6 DoF) as compared to others documented in the literature. Biological sh silage preparation has explicit bene ts in terms of ease of preparation and environment-friendly approach. Amino acids such as asparagine and glutamine possessing plant growth promotion property and role in animal nutrition hitherto unreported in formic-acid sh silage were recorded in the sh silage prepared by the biological method. Therefore method used in the current study, employing 10 % molasses for the preparation of biological sh silage can be used as an important alternative to the safe and environmentally friendly disposition of waste material generated from the sh industry.