Influence of rearing conditions and feed on the biochemical composition of fillets of the European catfish (Silurus glanis)

The biochemical composition of European catfish (Silurus glanis) fillets reared under two conditions used in France was studied. The biochemical composition of the two feeds used was also analysed, in order to establish a relationship between European catfish fillet composition and feed. Dry matter, protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents were determined. The fatty acid profile was determined by GC-FID and GC/MS. This work has established that European catfish has a biochemical composition characteristic of semi-fat fish, that the protein content is affected by water temperature, and that the lipid content depends largely on feed. This work has also highlighted that the proportions of fatty acids can be affected by rearing conditions, by feed, or by both rearing conditions and feed with a significant interaction between these two factors. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.