Evaluation of Heteroclarias Quality With Increased Storage Time Using Quality Index Method (Qim)

Abstract

The quality of Heteroclarias with increased storage time using Quality Index Method (QIM) was evaluated. 140 live samples of Heteroclarias (average weight 230 + 7g) were used for the study. QIM was used to evaluate the key parameters in fish deterioration, twenty semi-trained assessors was used for the sensory evaluation. Data obtained were subjected to appropriate statistical tools using SPSS 16.0 version. Quality Index (QI) of Heteroclarias increases with increased post slaughter time when the fish was left at ambient temperatures (27 + 3°C) indicating decrease in fish quality with time. High correlation of (r=0.993) with a high coefficient of determination (R 2 =0.986) was obtained indicating that 98.6% of the variation in post slaughter time was explained by quality attributes; the regression equation was significant F(9, 130)=1080 (p<0.0001) indicating that it could be used for prediction and estimation of fish quality, the QI used in this study is therefore recommended to be used by relevant agencies for predicting fish quality. Practical Applications :Fish is highly perishable despite its nutritional value, consumers becoming increasingly interested in the quality of fish they consume and the physical attributes of the fish is very vital for on the spot assessment of fish quality. This study provide quality index that could be used for prediction and estimation of fish quality using sensory evaluation.