Potential of Asian Carp from the Illinois River as a Source of Raw Materials for Fish Meal Production

Abstract

AbstractIncentivizing overfishing through the creation of high‐value markets for Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis has been proposed as a management strategy for controlling Asian carp in the Illinois River. Asian carp may be rendered into a protein‐dense fish meal, and one of the most attractive, high‐value end uses for such a product is aquafeed manufacturing. However, the nutritional content and shelf stability of Asian carp as a raw material must be determined to assess its suitability for rendering and subsequent use as a protein source in aquafeeds, which was the focus of this study. To determine seasonal, geographical, and species variation in body composition, fatty acids, and oxidative stability, Asian carp were collected from five reaches of the Illinois River during the fall, spring, and summer (up to 12 individuals of each species per reach per season) and analyzed. Slight geographical, seasonal, and species variation exists in the body composition and fatty acid profiles of adult Asian carp from the Illinois River. There was an apparent trend of increasing lipid content from lower to upper reaches and from fall to summer. Bighead Carp tended to be leaner (higher protein, moisture, and ash content) than Silver Carp (higher lipid content). Although Asian carp generally appear to be a good source of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids regardless of capture location or season, the concentration of these nutrients was highest in the fall. Oxidative stability analysis indicated Asian carp meal will need stabilizers to increase shelf life. Collectively, our results suggest Asian carp‐based fish meals would be nutritionally suitable for use in aquafeeds, if precautions are taken to stabilize the product during storage. Creating demand for carp meal in the aquafeed manufacturing sector may prove a valuable strategy for aiding in the control of Asian carp populations in the Illinois River.