Canadian Capelin 1972–1973. Fat and Moisture Composition, and Fatty Acids of Some Oils and Lipid Extract Triglycerides

Abstract

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) taken during exploratory fishing operations in 1972 and 1973 have been examined as sources of edible oil for usages similar to those of herring oil. Samples were obtained from both fat-depleted, spawning stocks from Newfoundland waters and fattening stocks taken in the fall off Labrador. Oils from commercial reduction and triglycerides isolated from laboratory extracts were studied. Moisture and fat contents and detailed fatty acid composition were determined. The commercial oils produced from fat-depleted fish (June–August) had iodine values of 96–112, while oils and triglycerides from fattening fall fish (September–November) had iodine values of 118–128. The basic fatty acid components from Canadian capelin showed remarkably similar percentages in all oils and triglycerides. The total C22 ranged from 21.2 to 26.7% and had a lower proportion of 22:1 than Canadian herring oils. The fatty acid composition suggests that these capelin oils could be used interchangeably with herring oils.