ABSTRACT
This study, proximate and mineral compositions of Macrobrachium macrobrachion, was conducted to evaluate the nutritive quality of the prawn. Thirteen samples of Macrobrachium macrobrachion were procured from prawn mongers at Igbokoda in Ondo State, and were identified using Identification sheet by FAO and Powell. Prawn samples were prepared for analysis: smoke-dried, separated into whole body, flesh (edible portion) and waste, and weighed. The flesh were ground into fine powder and stored for analysis. Proximate and mineral compositions of the prawns were determined using standard procedures. The mean values obtained for protein, carbohydrate (NFE), fat and ash were 72.47, 6.07, 12.43, and 3.17 respectively, while 5.49 moisture content, 0.37 crude fibre, and 94.51 dry matter were contained in the prawn. The mineral component with the prominent value was Ca; high values for K, Na, and Mg were also obtained. Other mineral components found in the prawn were Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn with significant values. The results showed Macrobrachium macrobrachion as an excellent source of high quality protein which is superior to those in meat and poultry; other inherent nutrients can also compete favourably with those in meat from other animal sources. The prawn is readily available for low-income earners, and provide alternative source of dietary meat for the populace who cannot afford expensive animal protein. The result further encourages the consumption of Macrobrachium macrobrachion for its nutritional value.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgements iv
Table of Contents v
List of Tables ix
Figure x
Abstract xi
CHAPTER ONE
1.0. Introduction 1
1.1. Justification 3
1.2. Scope of the Study 4
1.3. Objectives 4
1.3.1. Broad Objective 4
1.3.2. Specific Objectives 4
CHAPTER TWO
2.0. Literature Review 5
2.0.1. Classification 5
2.1. Characteristics of the family Palaemonidae 5
2.2. Description/Identification 6
2.2.1. Adult Males 6
2.2.2. Females and Juveniles 7
2.2.3. Size 7
2.2.4. Colour 7
2.3. Distribution/Habitat 7
2.4. Biology/Life Cycle 8
2.4.1. Food and Feeding Habits 8
2.5. Economic Importance 9
2.6. Proximate Analysis and Mineral Composition 9
2.6.1. Protein 11
2.6.2. Nitrogen-free extractives 11
2.6.3. Lipid 12
2.6.4. Moisture 13
2.6.5. Ash Content 13
2.6.6. Mineral Composition 14
CHAPTER THREE
3.0. Materials and Methods 16
3.1. Sample Collection and Identification 16
3.2. Sample Preparation 16
3.3. Determination of Proximate Composition 17
3.3.1. Moisture Determination 17
3.3.2. Ash Determination 17
3.3.3. Fat Determination 17
3.3.4. Protein Determination 18
3.3.5. Nitrogen-free extractives Estimation 18
3.4. Minerals Analysis 18
3.5. Statistical Analysis 19
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0. Result 20
4.1. Biometrics 20
4.2. Proximate Composition 20
4.3. Mineral Composition 20
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0. Discussion 25
CHAPTER SIX
6.0. Summary 28
6.1. Conclusion 28
6.2. Recommendation 28
6.3. References 30
