Protein and Amino Acid Composition of Indian Himalayan Snow Trout and Their Dietary Significance

Seven species of snow trout (Schizothorax spp.), endemic to Indian Himalayas, were taken up for exploring their protein content, dietary protein contribution potential, amino acid composition and amino acid score. Protein contents in all the seven species were in the order of S. labiatus > S. plagiostomus > S. progastus > S. esocinus > S. curvifrons > S. richardsonii > S. niger. Statistically, S. labiatus was found to be significantly superior (p < 0.05) to S. progastus, S. esocinus, S. curvifrons, S. richardsonii and S. niger with respect to protein content. Correspondingly, the dietary protein contribution potential to pre-school children (2–6 years old) was found to be highest in S. labiatus. Out of the seventeen detected amino acids, alanine was abundant in S. curvifrons, S. esocinus, S. niger, and S. plagiostomus, and leucine in S. labiatus, S. progastus and S. richardsonii. Among the essential amino acids, leucine followed by phenylalanine was the most abundant amino acid in all the fishes. The amino acid score values of leucine, isoleucine and lysine for pre-school children were found to be highest in S. labiatus. Overall, S. labiatus showed distinctly protein concentration, dietary protein contribution potential and amino acid score especially for leucine, isoleucine and lysine.