Evalution of total lipid content and fatty acids composition of processing waste from a freshwater food fish, Catla catla (Ham.).

Total lipid content (TLC) and fatty acids composition of the processing waste (head, liver, intestine, kidney, testis, and ovary) of an Indian major carp, Catla catla (Ham.) of three weight groups (250-500g, 501-750g, and 751-1000g) were analyzed. The TLC of each of the processing waste organs increased with an increase in the fish body weight. Maximum TLC (23.00± 0.60 %) was found in the intestine of 751-1000g weight group. The minimum TLC (7.73± 0.53%) was recorded in the liver of 250-500g weight group fish. Highest values of total n-3 fatty acids (18.05±3.88%) were observed in intestine and lowest (4.97±0.78%) in the kidney. The total n-6 PUFAs were highest in the liver (13.02±3.20%). The maximum mean MUFAs (36.50±3.86%) were present in the testis and the minimum (20.45±4.76%) in the intestine. It may be concluded that the processing waste of fish (head and visceral organs) is a rich source of total lipids and the essential fatty acids, particularly the polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can be utilized by the industry and processed for human consumption.