Chemical Changes and Visual Appearance of Indian Shad (Tenualosa ilisha) During Ice Storage

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality changes of fresh Indian shad Tenualosa ilisha during ice storage in a polystyrene insulated box for 24 days. Chemical and visual analyses were carried out every 4th day. Moisture contents decreased significantly from the 16th day of storage. Total crude protein and ash content slightly decreased throughout the period of study. Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and free fatty acid (FFA) values increased gradually. A positive relationship was observed between the pH and solubility of the fish myofibrillar proteins where solubility decreased greatly (70% to 41%) as the muscle pH of the stored fish decreased. Both chemical analyses and visual appearance examination showed that the quality of Indian shad was in acceptable condition up to the 19th day of ice storage. Results from chemical analyses were well correlated with basic visual appearance.