Chemical composition and nutritive significance of the land crab, <i>Cardisoma armatum</i> (Decapoda)

Abstract

The proximate, nutritionally valuable minerals and anti-nutrient compositions were determined in land crab, Cardisoma armatum. Results showed that ash was the highest with a value of 42.23±0.02% while protein, moisture, fat, fibre and carbohydrate levels were 33.30±1.20%, 9.60±0.06%, 5.35±0.01%, 8.31±0.01% and 1.23±0.02% respectively. Protein solubility was lowest at pH 4 and highest at pH 7 and 12. The isoelectric points were pH 4, and 10 indicating that C. armatum may be useful in food formulations involving beverages and meat products. Calcium recorded the highest value of 2157.86±1.01mg/100g while manganese recorded the lowest value of 0.39±0.01mg/100g. Phosphorus recorded 360.23±0.25mg/100g, cobalt recorded 0.01±0.00mg/100g, nickel recorded 4.53±0.10mg/100g while copper recorded 57.83±0.10mg/100g. Lead (Pb) and Cr were not detected. Water absorption capacity was 125.00±0.10%, oil absorption capacity, 535.33±0.21% while foaming stability was 3±0.02%. The results of the anti-nutritional analysis revealed that oxalate recorded 4.10±0.15mg/100g while phytic acid recorded 1.10±0.10mg/100g respectively. Tannin was not detected in the sample. The values observed for oxalate and phytic acid fall within the nutritionally accepted values. C. armatum is a rich source of animal nutrients and it could therefore be used in human diets and animal feeds formulations.


Keywords: Proximate composition, Cardisoma armatum, antinutrients, solubility and isoelectric points

AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 68-72