The carcass chemical composition of the African butter catfish (Schilbe mystus) from two tropical manmade lakes, southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Proximate analyses of the carcass (dry weight) of the African butter catfish (Schilbe mystus) from two manmade lakes, viz. Oyan and Asejire reservoirs, were carried out in order to ascertain nutritional values of this commercially important catfish. The nutrient levels assayed included crude protein, fat, fibre, ash, and moisture. The study revealed that nutrient levels of the carcass vary with habitat, season and size. The mean nutrient contents of the carcass of S. mystus from Lakes Oyan and Asejire were, respectively, as follows: protein content 56.9% ± 2.36 and 60.3% ± 0.437, mean lipid content 4.8% ± 0.45 and 5.7% ± 0.083, mean ash content 14.3% ± 1.21 and 13% ± 0.28 and mean fibre content 0.79% ± 0.07 and 0.76% ± 0.044. Crude protein, fat and moisture contents varied significantly with sampled populations. In both habitats, nutrient levels of the dry carcass showed a significant difference between the dry and rainy season. Generally, nutrient values were found to be higher in the dry season except f...