Variations in the Chemical Composition of Herring

Abstract

A study has been made of the seasonal and other variations in the contents of fat, water and total solids (other than fat) of the flesh of herring. The herring studied were mainly from Scottish and Shetland waters.Various races of herring, differing anatomically and with different spawning seasons, are considered separately.For each, the observed changes in chemical composition are considered in relation to the season of the year and the feeding and spawning cycles of the fish.During May and June there is a rapid rise in the fat content of herring (demonstrated for some races and inferred for the rest). This is correlated with a period of intensive feeding. After the attainment of maximal values in July there is a fall to minimal values in April. The rapidity of the fall depends on the spawning season, a relatively high fat content being maintained until spawning takes place. During spawning there is a rapid fall in the fat content, due, in part at least, to cessation of feeding.