PROXIMATE AND ESSENTIAL MINERAL COMPOSITION OF FRESH AND SMOKED CATFISH AND BEEF SOLD IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the nutritional composition of fresh and smoked Catfish and beef available in Minna, Niger state. Samples were analyzed for proximate parameters (moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, fat and carbohydrate) and essential mineral contents (Na, K, Ca, Mn and Cu). The results of proximate analysis revealed high protein content of 41.15±1.87 and 36.66±0.61% in smoked catfish and beef respectively, while the low level of protein with 11.65±1.99 and 9.85±2.19% in fresh catfish and beef. Low level of crude fat of 4.67±1.74 and 9.46±0.98% were observed in fresh and smoked beef, while high level of crude fat with 24.42±5.32 and 20.99±2.30% were recorded for fresh and smoked catfish. The samples also contain some appreciable amount of essential minerals with potassium having the highest concentration of essential mineral of (239.70±66.91 and 319.44±4.13 mg/100g) and (452.26±41.03 and 444.76±23.18 mg/100g) in fresh and smoked fish and beef. While manganese Mn the lowest concentration (0.25±0.21 and 0.25±0.11 mg/100g) and (0.15±0.01 and 0.18±0.05 mg/100g) in fresh and smoked fish and beef, respectively. From this study, it has been established that fresh and smoked catfish and beef contain series of proximate parameters and essential minerals which can be added to the diet to complement human nutritional requirements.