Abstract

In fish processing, viscera are generally considered waste products and often discarded. Our research objective is to use Tra (pangasius) catfish viscera which accounts for 5-6% of body weight as a source of digestive enzymes. This paper investigated the influence of individual visceral organs of Tra catfish on the activities and properties of lipase, protease and amylase. Results revealed that the hepatopancreas was the best source for three digestive enzymes, with the highest activities of lipase (18.426 U.mg-1 protein), protease (2.304 U.mg-1 protein) and amylase (11.473 U.mg- 1 protein), in comparison with intestine or mixed viscera. The optimal pH of Lipases from the hepatopancreas, intestine and mixed viscera were of 8, 7.5 and 8 respectively, of Proteases were of 8.5, 9.5, 9, and of Amylases were of 7.5, 8 and 8, respectively. The maximum activities of lipase, protease, and amylase were found at the temperature of 50, 55 and 400C, respectively.