SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN THE PROXIMATE AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF THREE FRESH WATER FISHES IN MAIRUWA RESERVOIR, FASKARI, KATSINA STATE

📄 Project Abstract

A total of 1347 fish samples consisting of Synodontis clarias, Schilbe mystus and Mormyrus macrophthalmus collected from Mairuwa Reservoir, Faskari, Katsina State were analysed for the proximate and mineral contents using some fish parts and the whole fishes during the two seasons (dry and rainy) using standard methods and procedures. The lipid and protein contents were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the flesh. The carbohydrate contents were generally low in all the parts of the fishes studied. Ash contents were significantly high (P<0.05) in the bones and least in the flesh. The moisture content was generally low in all the parts studied (flesh, head and bones). Calcium and phosphorus were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the bones, while sodium and magnesium were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the flesh of all the three fish species. Zinc and Iron were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the bones, while potassium contents were least found in the bones. There were no significant dif...