Shelf life Study of Freshwater Fishes Using Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract as a Natural Preservative

This study was performed with aim to replace chemical preservatives used for fish preservation. An experiment was conducted to enhance the shelf life of collected fishes by using herbal treatment. In this research, Neem (Azadirachta indica) extract of leaves was used as natural preservative for fish to preserve the freshly captured fish. Dried powder was used for preparing aqueous extract. Microbial loads were estimated by using total plate count. The aim of using this method was to observe bacterial growth between the unpreserved fishes and the fishes treated with preservative. The present study revealed that the use of neem, in the forms of dried leaves extracts shows the inhibitory activity against spoilage causing bacteria and enhances the shelf life of fresh water fishes. This showed a good alternative to enhance the shelf life and quality of fishes at ambient temperature in the areas where no refrigerated systems are available for fishermen.