Abstract:

The composition and contents of hydrolytic amino acids and free amino acids in muscle of blunt snout bream
(Megalobrama amblycephala) were analyzed during different growth phases, and the nutritional value and product flavor
were evaluated. The results showed that there was no significant difference in general nutrition components such as moisture, ash,
crude protein and fat among Megalobrama amblycephala muscles during different growth phases. The contents of hydrolytic
amino acids and free amino acids in muscle of blunt snout bream were (7.77 ± 0.79) g/100 g and (0.98 ± 0.10) g/100 g (wet
weight), respectively, without showing significant difference during different growth phases. The essential amino acid composition
in muscle of Megalobrama amblycephala was complete, ΣEAA/ΣAA ratio was 34.62%–38.77%, while ΣEAA/ΣNEAA
ratio was 70.75%–85.99%. Amino acid score (AAS) and chemical score (CS) showed that the first limiting amino acids were
methionine and cystine. The composition and contents of free amino acids showed no obvious variation in different growth periods
and taurine was the major component which occupied 32.04% of the total amount of free amino acids.

Key words: blunt snout bream, amino acid, nutrient balance, product flavor