Studies on the monthly variation in the body and nutritional composition of <i>Labeo coubie</i> (ruppel, 1832) in Shiroro Dam, Niger State

Abstract

Proximate and mineral composition of Labeo coubie was carried out, essential minerals and Micronutrients were determined using Spectrophotometer while, proximate composition was determined using the Association of Official Analytic Chemist Method. Result revealed that the fish is a good source of all the minerals and would provide recommended dietary allowance except for Calcium element. The monthly variation from April to August showed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the content of zinc (13.15-18.12mg/kg), Iron 70.13-106.18mg/, Copper 1.71-3.10mg/kg, Manganese 1.79-3.17mg/kg, Calcium 0.32-0.52mg/kg, Potassium was 19.58-24.12mg/kg and Sodium 18.01-20.89mg/kg. The monthly variation of the body parts of L. coubie from April to August showed moisture content range of 55.25-75.40mg/kg. The Crude Protein showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the various body parts, Ash content ranged from 2.12-10.40%. The moisture content was highest in the skin 75.40% and lowest in bone 12.18%, while Lipid was highest in the fillet 8.15% and lowest in the bone 4.24%, Ash was highest in the head/fins 10.40% and lowest in the skin 3.06%. The fish L. coubie has an excellent composition of essential nutrients and minerals hence it is recommended as a culturable commercial fish species.