Characterization of astaxanthin pigments from heat-processed crawfish waste

Carotenoid pigments have been isolated and identified from the heat-processed exoskeleton of crawfish, Procambarus clarkii . Pigment concentrations as great as 153 mu g/g are noted, consisting of 49.4% astaxanthin ester, 40.3% astaxanthin, and 10.3% astacene. When measured as a function of time and antioxidant treatment, using BHA and Santoquin, pigment concentrations showed a maximal decrease, i.e., 45% over 3 weeks, in untreated samples. Levels of Santoquin at 0.5% were effective in minimizing pigment loss with storage. Application of the high pigment quality meal in diets for aquaculture-raised fish is discussed.