Abstract

FRANCO, M.L.R.S. et al. Comparative analysis of the skins of Nile tilapia, pacu and tambaqui: Histology, composition and resistance. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2013, vol.62, n.237, pp.21-32. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922013000100003.

The aim of this work was to compare the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and tambaqui (Colossoma macroporum) skins on the histology, composition, physico-chemical and physico-mechanical features. Therefore, 10 kg of skins of each species were used. All skins have followed the same methodology for tanning, all processed in tannery machine. Histological and composition analysis were conducted in fresh skin, and 20 leather of each species were used after tanning for physical-chemical and physico-mechanical analysis. The skin of Nile tilapia showed lamellulae larger than the other species examined, however, the deeper layer of the dermis of this species shows collagen fibers thinner in the transverse direction to the skin surface. The Nile tilapia skin had a higher humidity (67.14 %), lipid (1.96 %) and ash contents (1.82 %), though the skin of this species showed the lowest level of crude protein (29.08 %). A higher content of crude protein was found in tambaqui skins (35.70 %). The Nile tilapia leather showed lower thickness (0.68 mm), tensile strength (11.86 N/mm²), progressive tearing (40.18 N/mm), elasticity (52.63 %) and lower maximum strength (81.06 %) compared to pacu and tambaqui leathers. It was observed that the tambaqui leather was the thickest (0.89 mm) and most resistante for the measured variables (tensile strength= 29.49 N/ mm², progressive tearing= 80.01 N/mm and maximum strength= 224.25). Tilapia leathers are less resistant than tambaqui and pacu leathers and the tambaqui leather could be destined for the manufacture of clothing, and the leathers of the three species have thickness within recommended for gloves and clothing manufacture.

Keywords : Physical-chemical tests; Tests of resistance.

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