Abstract:
This study was carried out to compare the body weights of three different Nile fish
species (Oreochromis niloticus, Labeo niloticus and Clarias sp) and the impact of direct
sun drying on their chemical composition.
36 samples were collected (12 samples/ species) averages of total length, standard
length (cm) and gross body weight (gm) were determined and the findings were as follows:
36.5, 29.75 and 930 for Oreochromis niloticus, 49, 39.5 and 1210 for Labeo niloticus and
49, 45 and 97 7.5 for Clarias sp.
It was noticed that clarias sp has the highest edible meat percentage 46.75% followed by
Labeo niloticus 38.82% and Oreochromis niloticus 33.39%, and there were significant
differences (p< 0.05) among the three species.
Chemical analysis for the samples was done to determine (protein, fat, ash and moisture
contents).
The results of protein contents examined were 62%, 61.5% and 61.5% for Oreochromis
niloticus, Labeo niloticus and Clarias sp respectively. Fat contents were 7.41%, 8.27% and
7.32% for Oreochromis niloticus, Labeo niloticus and Clarias sp respectively. Moisture
contents were 6.7%, 7.5% and 7.5% for Oreochromis niloticus, Labeo niloticus and Clarias
sp respectively. Ash contents were 5.90%, 6.05% and 6.85% for Oreochromis niloticus,
Labeo niloticus and Clarias sp respectively.
When comparing protein contents of the three fish species it was found that Labeo
niloticus and Clarias sp have equal protein contents, but Oreochromis niloticus has a bit
higher contents. Moreover it was found that Labeo niloticus and Clarias sp have equal
Moisture contents also it was found that the three fish species have different fat contents
with the highest level for Labeo niloticus followed by Oreochromis niloticus and the least
level for Clarias sp. it was also found that there were significant differences (p< 0.05)
among Ash contents of the three fish species.
It was noticed that there were convergent values of protein and fat contents of the three
fish species. This denotes to the high nutritive value of these fishes.
