Processing of crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) for the preparation of carotenoproteins and chitin

Crawfish carotenoproteins and chitin are obtained by a combined process bas ed on flotation-sedimentation and in situ lactic add production. The carote noprotein PF1 obtained has a high content in essential amino acids, w-3-fat ty acids, and carotene (mainly astaxanthin) and constitutes an excellent nu tritional source for patients with malnutrition. The carotenoprotein PF2 ha s a lower nutritional quality but with a substantial carotene content can b e used as a feed for animals where coloration is required, such as salmon a nd trout bred under aquaculture. Chemical and spectrometric (FTIR and C-13 NMR) characterization shows the obtained chitin to be of high quality, simi lar to that available commercially, for medical and nutritional uses.