Question

Which among the following is the major cause for belly bursting of fish

• A. Less feeding
• B. Moderate feeding
• C. Intense feeding
• D. Empty stomach

Hint:

Starving fish for 24 to 48 hours in holding tanks before harvesting (depuration) allows them to empty their digestive tracts, significantly reducing the occurrence of post-harvest belly bursting.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Belly bursting is a post-mortem spoilage phenomenon characterized by the structural breakdown and rupture of the abdominal wall of fish.
It is caused by the autolytic (self-digesting) action of highly active digestive enzymes present in the gastrointestinal tract of the fish.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
When fish have been feeding intensely right before capture, their digestive tracts contain very high concentrations of active proteolytic enzymes, such as pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin.
Following the death of the fish, the natural physiological protective barriers of the gut lining cease to function.
As a result, these active digestive enzymes begin to digest the surrounding gut tissues and the abdominal wall from the inside out.
This enzymatic breakdown weakens the surrounding muscle fibers, leading to a thin, ruptured abdominal wall during storage.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, intense feeding is the primary cause of belly bursting in fish.