Effect of the conservation method, insulated container vs. traditional method on the nutritional, sensory and microbiological characteristics of Psectrogaster rutiloides and Potamorhina altamazonica

Rivadeneyra-Sánchez N.L.; Moreno Ríos C.E.; Rodríguez W.R.F.; Aponte G.V.B.; Valverde C.A.V.; Ríos I.I.M.S.; Vilca J.M.; Flores W.M.P.; Canayo Ó.A.M.; Vásquez Á.P. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2026) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v37i1.27131

Resumen

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two methods of fish preservation, insulated box vs. traditional method, on the nutritional, sensory and microbiological characteristics of Psectrogaster rutiloides and Potamorhina altamazonica. The insulated box was manufactured with a wooden structure, covered with matt fiberglass and resin, measuring 251.8 × 159.3 × 86.9 × 8.0 cm, and with drainage at a two-inch basal end. The traditional method corresponded to the use of simple plastic to line the interior of an artisanal fishing boat simulating an «isothermal box.» Both structures were designed to adapt to the internal format of an artisanal fishing vessel. Fishes of both species (175 kg) were caught in the fishing area of Caserío Palestine, Ucayali, Peru. The fish was placed inside the corresponding preservation method with crushed ice 1:1, covered for five days, and immediately transported to the laboratory. Humidity, total protein, ether extract and ash content determined in each species was not affected by the conservation method. The meat of the two species did not exceed the maximum permissible limits in terms of the presence of total mesophilic aerobes, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. For Escherichia coli, less preservation was evident under the traditional conservation method. Finally, acceptable values were obtained using the quality index method (between 9 to 13) for the two species in both conservation methods. The two methods guarantee the good condition of the fish P. rutiloides and P. altamazonica within five days of conservation, with a better advantage for the insulated box in terms of greater stability of the microbiological conditions. ©Los autores.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú