Proximate and Mineral Composition of Internal Organs of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish)

Abstract

The proximate and mineral composition of internal organs of catfish (Clarias gariepinus), obtained from a fish farm were examined. Parameters of proximate composition analyzed were moisture, ash, protein, fiber, fat and carbohydrate from the gills, intestines and liver. Mineral compositions such as calcium, sodium and potassium were also analyzed. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the moisture contents of internal organs of fish. There was also a significant difference (p<0.05) in ash contents of gills, intestine and liver of catfish. The crude fat content ranged from 19.67±0.167 in intestine to 36.00±0.289 in gills. Crude fat contents of gills were higher than those of intestines and liver. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the crude fiber contents. The highest protein value (41.417±0.583) was recorded in gills and the least value (9.333±0.583) was recorded in liver. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in protein contents of fish internal organs. The highest carbohydrate value (62.083±0.083) was recorded in the intestine and least (6.450±0.278) in gills. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in total carbohydrate contents of fish internal organs. The gills contained a higher amount of calcium (6.53±0.24mg/100g) as compared to liver (6.28±0.10mg/100g) and intestine (5.94±0.07mg/100g). The highest concentration of sodium (2.31±0.06mg/100g) was recorded in the gills while intestine contain (2.30±0.10mg/100g) and (2.27±0.30) in liver. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the sodium concentration of fish internal organs. The concentration of potassium ranged from 3.94±0.14 in gills to 3.51±0 50 in intestine. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in potassium concentration of fish internal organs. Results from this study therefore showed that fish internal organs are good source of protein and minerals. Thus may be useful component for protein nutrients.