High value products from whitefish heads and backs

Summary

Hydrolytic processing of cod heads and backs from cod slaughtering was performed. The products were evaluated for human consumption, and frozen and fresh material was compared. Cod backs and heads were processed using different enzymes. About 50 % increase in collagen recovery from heads was obtained by using a proline specific enzyme. Markets and scaling costs must be further evaluated, however, the results indicate good possibilities for consumption of processed heads and backs from cod slaughter. The resulting product was evaluated as well tasting and with acceptable marketable properties. Upon hydrolysis, the remaining bone fractions can be used for increased value creation. In this project, Nofima has summarized the results from several ongoing projects related to development of technological processes for solubilization of minerals and other nutrients in fish bones. The technology can easily be adapted to different types of raw materials, including bone from blue whiting, herring, salmon and cod. The process releases > 85% of phosphorus in fish bones, and the mineral rich ingredient produced is demonstrated to be effective as an alternative phosphor source in salmon feed, and as a feed supplement that provides better growth and pigmentation in Atlantic salmon.