Texture and Flavor of Hybrid Striped Bass Fed Soybean Meal Diets

Abstract

Baked fillets from hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops) fed varying amounts of soybean meal and raised in ponds or tanks were evaluated for flavor and texture. Using a triangle test, panelists were able to discriminate between fillets from fish fed soybean meal in the diet as compared to fillets from fish fed only fish meal with respect to flavor and texture in most comparisons. In paired comparison tests, panelists described fillets from fish fed soybean meal as less dry or tough compared to fish-meal-fed fish. In addition, panelists were able to discriminate between fillets from fish raised in ponds compared to those raised in tanks, regardless of diet. However, in a limited test, panelists found no differences in the acceptability of fillets with respect to flavor and texture. Data showed that soybean meal in the diet of hybrid striped bass had a significant discernible effect on flavor and texture of fillets, but this effect was not important in acceptability of the fillets.