Influence of fish farming in different Brazilian regions on the chemical characteristics of mechanically separated meat from the dusky grouper

This study evaluated the influence of production systems from different Brazilian regions on the chemical characteristics of mechanically separated meat (MSM) from true groupers. The farming and feeding systems adopted were: continuous flow and commercial feed; net-tank and trash fish; and excavated pond and commercial feed. The MSM samples were subjected to analyses of moisture, proteins, ash, lipids, and fatty acids. It was found that the systems influence the proximate composition of MSM, showing differences in moisture and lipid content. The MSM from animals from Angra dos Reis had the highest moisture content (72.6%), while those from Ilhabela and Laguna stood out in terms of lipid percentage, being 11.57% and 11.7%, respectively. The crude protein and ash content were not influenced. Regarding the lipid profiles, there was a prevalence of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated oleic acid, and polyunsaturated omega-6, linolelaidic acid. The MSM exhibited interesting characteristics, especially due to the crude protein content, making it a valuable raw material for developing products such as snacks, protein flours, and products aligned with the health trend, but with lower production costs due to being derived from a by-product, thus contributing to the stimulation of aquaculture and increased fish consumption.