Review of the properties of Eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica: Part I. Physical properties

Physical properties are important characteristics of any organism to designers of processing and handling equipment for the organism. Quantitative oyster physical properties data based primarily on oysters from the Chesapeake Bay are summarized in this paper. Quantitative physical properties data are presented for use by equipment designers, engineers, and biologists interested in growth characteristics of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Basic physiology of the oyster is described as it relates to oyster growth and function. Both internal and external shell dimensions, patterns of shell growth, shell strength and hinge characteristics, characteristics of oysters meats, and other data are reported. Much of the data summarized has not previously been reported while other data has only been available in unpublished or gray literature publications.There have been attempts to automate oyster shucking and handling for over 100 years, as evidenced by the plethora of patents filed in the U.S. and overseas. Most of these attempts depend on physical properties of oysters. Compared to physical properties of most commonly cultured agricultural animals, physical properties for oysters are not readily available. This paper is an attempt to fill the need for quantification of these properties and thereby assist equipment designers.