Background : Tunisia has natural resources favorable to fishing with a coastline that extends for a total length of 1,300 kilometres. The large quantities processed show that tuna canneries generate an important amounts of discarded high quality species. These wastes are, of course, problems, but they also offer excellent opportunities for biotechnological exploitation. The disposal of these wastes has always been expansive and has often a harmful impact on the environment, but thanks to the evolution of techniques and the development of markets, it is now possible to transform this waste stream into useful and marketable products.
Results: In the present work, we focused primary on the characterization of the red muscles of a tuna cannery for inclusion in the formulation of young dog’s wet food. The composition of these co-products indicates a high protein content (80%), and a moderate fat and mineral content (11% and 8%, respectively). Nevertheless, the carbohydrate content in the red muscles of this fish remains low (2%). To increase the carbohydrate content whish constitute the principal energy source and fiber proportion to improve product digestibility by the animals, cereals (maize flour and rice flour) were used. Four formulae were tested, using the same manufacturing process. thA physicochemical study of the finished products was carried out and the Limit Date of Consumption was determined and estimated to 3 years and 3 months. Microbiological analyses were carried out to ensure the safety of the finished product and the results showed the absence of pathogens and the compliance of the product with current standards.
Conclusion: Thanks to their high protein content, tuna discarded products represent an important source for the development of a new animal feed product, including the young dog.