The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of various process conditions on the physical properties and digestibility of extruded fish feed at different barrel temperatures (120, 130, and 140oC) and moisture contents (35, 40, and 45%). The expansion ratio decreased with increasing the moisture content. The hardness was negatively correlated with the expansion ratio. The bulk density decreased by increasing moisture content. The water holding capacity increased by increasing the moisture content and barrel temperature. Soaking time significantly (p<0.05) affected water stability and the best water stability was observed in all samples soaked for 1 h, but water stability was also stable at 2 h and 3 h. There was a significant increase in the protein digestibility of extruded fish feed, compared to that of the raw material.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of fermentation on physical properties of texturized vegetable protein (TVP) by using Bacillus subtilis. TVP was prepared by texturizing the mixture of isolated soy protein (50%), wheat gluten (40%) and corn starch (10%) with the use of twin-screw extruder at two different moisture contents (40% and 50%), 100 g min-1 feed rate, 200 rpm screw speed and 130°C die temperature. Then, TVPs were subjected to solid-state fermentation using B. subtilis at 37°C for 60 h. The texture (springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness and hardness), integrity index and color (lightness, redness and yellowness) of TVPs were determined before and after fermentation for 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h, respectively. The springiness and cohesiveness did not change significantly after fermentation in all samples. However, chewiness and hardness decreased with increased fermentation time with the lowest values observed at 60 h after fermentation of TVPs (both 40% and 50% MC). Integrity index of fermented TVPs was significantly reduced while fermentation time was increased. Integrity index started to decrease significantly at 36 h after fermentation in TVP extruded with 40% MC. In another TVP (50% MC), the integrity decreased at 24 h after fermentation but it maintained higher integrity index than TVP (40% MC) throughout the whole fermentation period. The significant total color change was observed with increased fermentation time. During fermentation, lightness and yellowness decreased but redness increased significantly. This study pointed out that TVP fermented by B. subtilis still has good texture, and thus has the potential to become an attractive food for consumers who usually avoid fermented foods due to rotten appearance with no texture.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of moisture content and screw speed on the physical properties of high moisture meat analogue. Extrusion conditions were moisture content (65, 70%), screw speed (150, 200 rpm), a fixed barrel temperature (160℃), and feeder rate (100 g/min). Specific mechanical energy (SME) input decreased as moisture content increased from 65 to 70%. The high moisture meat analogue at 65% moisture content and 150 rpm had higher water absorption capacity, elasticity, cohesiveness, chewiness and cutting strength than those of high moisture meat analogue at 70% moisture content and 150 rpm. However, the high moisture meat analogue at 70% moisture content and screw speed 200 rpm had a lower integrity index, elasticity, cohesiveness, chewiness and cutting strength than those of high moisture meat analogue at 65% moisture content and 200 rpm. In conclusion, the tested physical properties of high moisture meat analogue were more affected by moisture content than screw speed.