Application of Van Soest Acid Detergent Fiber Method for Analysis of Shellfish Chitin

Abstract

The Van Soest acid detergent fiber method was compared with the modified Welinder method for chitin analysis of Alaskan crab and shrimp meals to determine whether chitin constituted a significant fibrous component of shellfish meals. In the Welinder method, chitin is determined gravimetrically following decalcification and deproteinization with .1 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 2 N sodium hydroxide, respectively, Chitin is a fibrous component of shellfish meals, and the Van Soest acid detergent fiber method is acceptable for determination of shellfish chitin. © 1985, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.