Bioinnovation and D.O.G. seal for Oreochromis niloticus farm on Federal Government Waters

Abstract

Brazil is among the main tilapia producers in the world. Reliable information about the quality of the product, its nutritional properties and the certification of fish origin can facilitate the expansion of the national and international tilapia market. In this context, the aim of the present project is to develop an innovative protocol to identify the main bioprocesses and attributes of quality and nutritional composition of the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), to obtain the Geographical Denomination of Origin (D.O.G.) of fresh filet, produced in a network tank in the reservoir of the Chavantes hydroelectric plant, São Paulo. The project will accompany 15 commercial production batches of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), during two production cycles (summer and winter) to analyze the nutritional compounds of the fresh fillet. Patterns of collection, transport and a robust database will be developed with the results of analysis of the metabolic profile of the tilapia meat produced in this model fish farm and data from the literature. In parallel, a technological protocol composed of analysis and audit bioprocesses applied in a commercial fish farming model of tilapia will be developed. This process will serve as a prototype for other enterprises. Benchmarking will be carried out of the main certification protocols for Geographical Denomination of Origin (D.O.G.) of fish produced in captivity in Brazil and abroad, recommended by the certification bodies for export. The project will be developed together with researchers from Brazil, Chile and Norway, in addition to assistance from stakeholders in the Brazilian tilapia industry and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), who will assist in the validation of this innovative process for this agribusiness. Thus, the post-doctoral student will assist in the product development stage of phase 4 of TRL (Technology Readiness Levels) and should reach stage 6, through the implementation of the Bioprocesses proposed for this industry. In addition, it will test the protocol and describe in a process patent which will be transformed into a technological product to be licensed and applied in the Brazilian tilapia industry. The use of this developed methodology will allow the recognition of the quality and distinct flavor of each product, according to its O.D.G., to classify differences in relation to production, climate, management and metabolic composition. The results of this project will allow producers to obtain their D.O.G. seal from the INPI (Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property), becoming more competitive, adding value and nutritional security to the final product.