[Microbial silage production from eviscerated fish].

Microbial fish silage was produced from a mixture of several fish species that belong to the shrimp by-catch. They were mixed with molasses, fruits (pineapple and papaya), sorbate and a starter of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC8014. Process was evaluated by pH, acidity, consistency, exudate liquid, non-protein nitrogen, total volatile bases, microbial and toxicological tests. Results indicated that acid production and pH reduction occurs during the first two days of processing, later these values were maintained stable during 64 storage days. Total volatile bases increased during storage period. Consistency, non-protein nitrogen and exudate liquid showed that hydrolysis and liquefaction occurs during the first 8 days of processing. Raw material showed high counts of aerobic mesophilic and psicrotrophic organisms, in addition to Pseudomonas, coliform and S. aureus. However silage showed only a few aerobic mesophilic organisms due to low pH values and development of lactic acid bacteria. Silage dehydration reduces possibilities of microbial growth, and only spores of Bacillus were observed. Low levels of lead, mercury and chrome were detected in the dry silage. Proximal analysis values did not change during process and storage period.