Optimum ice-storage time and shelf life for Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella based on postmortem changes

The present study has evaluated the postmortem changes of Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella during the ice storage. The fish were captured, euthanized, and kept in ice for 72 h, and quality indices were evaluated by passing 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h from ice storage. The results are shown that pH, TBA, FFA, TVB-N, mesophilic, and psychrophilic bacteria of fish tissue have increased during ice storage, but WHC rate has decreased. The degradation of carp muscle fibers was observed by passing 72 h from ice storage. Based on these results, the optimum shelf life of the carps is less than 72 h. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation of fish was acceptable for 48 h. The results have shown that the common carp had faster rigor (12 h) compared to the grass carp (24 h). The muscle fibers of the common carp have revealed more damage compared to the grass carp at 72 h. Overall, the optimum shelf life of the carps was determined for 48 h in the ice storage.