Yield and chemical composition of fractions from fermented shrimp biowaste

Chemical composition of chitinous residue and fermentation liquor fractions, obtained from fermented shrimp biowaste, was evaluated in order to explore their potential for further utilization. Lyophilization of the liquor fraction obtained after fermentation resulted in a powder rich in both protein (30%) and carotenoids (217.18 +/- 2.89 microg/g). The yield of chitinous residue was 44% (w/w) whereas the yield of lyophilized powder was >25% (w/v). About 69% of total carotenoids were recovered by fermentation. Fermentation resulted in the removal of both protein as well as ash content from the shrimp biowaste, as indicated by approximately 92% deproteination and >76% demineralization, respectively. Post fermentation, the residue had a chitin content of >90%. The lyophilized liquor fraction had all the essential amino acids (except threonine) in quantities comparable to Food & Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization reference protein. The composition of fermentation liquor is indicative of its potential for application as an amino acid supplement in aquaculture feed formulations.