Abstract

Proximate compositions of African giant River prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii in River Osun, Nigeria were studied. Twenty samples each were selected at two landing sites Atan and Asejire Lake. Ten samples from each site were fried, while the remaining 10 were dried to determine the effect of frying on the proximate composition. Protein, ash fat, crude fibre and moisture contents in dried samples from Atan and Asejire Lakes are 45.85, 13.70, 12.40, 0.01, 92.27 and 46.55, 15.01, 11.20, 0.01 and 92.59 units respectively. Protein, ash fat, crude fibre and moisture contents in fried samples from Atan and Asejire Lake are 45.69, 13.84, 14.58, 0.01, 92.15 and 46.15, 14.98, 13.69, 0.01 and 92.36 units respectively. The mean proximate composition of M. vollenhovenii in River Osun are 46.06 ± 0.38, 14.38 ± 0.71, 12.98 ± 1.48, 0.01 ± 0.00 and 92.34 ± 0.19 unit representing protein, ash fat, crude fibre and moisture in that order. Data were analysed using SPSS (21.0). No significant difference was found in proximate composition from the two sampling areas. This prawn contains great amount of which can be used as substitute for fish, meat, plant protein and animal protein in human food and animal feed formulation for animals.

Keywords: Macrobrachium vollenhovenii; Proximate composition; Protein; Lipids; Ash; Fat