Production of protein liquor by microbial fermentation of prawn waste

Abstract

Aquaculture sector is highly dependent on adequate supply of cheap and nutritional feedstuffs. Locally, dependency on expensive imported proteinaceous raw materials is a major constraint for aquaculture development. In this chapter, the potential of fermented prawn waste (Penaeus monodon) silage as an alternative protein source is reported. Bacterial fermentation of prawn waste at 37°C using glucose as substrate for three days resulted in a protein liquor or silage containing high protein (47%) and low fibre (0.8%) contents, which fits the requirement for a good ingredient in an aquaculture fish diet. In addition, prawn waste silage remains stable at acid condition (pH 4) up to 60 days. The fermentation can also be carried out at ambient temperature. The probiotic rich silage is also advantageous for fish gut health. Another advantage to this process is the valuable by-product, i.e., chitin, which is a biomaterial with great potentials for commercial applications.