EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF FRESH FISH (BAGRUS BAYAD, MORMYRUS RUME AND OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) FROM SHAGARI DAM OF SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the proximate and mineral composition of three freshwater fish species Oreochromis niloticus, Mormyrus rume, and Bagrus bayad over a five-month period. The proximate analysis revealed that O. niloticus consistently exhibited high moisture content, particularly in July and September, with values reaching up to 64.89%, but experienced a decline to approximately 57.34% by October. M. rume maintained high and relatively stable moisture levels, peaking at 62.15% in October, while B. bayad's moisture levels hovered around 60%. Ash content varied among species and months, with M. rume and B. bayad showing higher ash percentages, especially in July and October, indicating differences in mineral deposits. Carbohydrate content fluctuated, with B. bayad generally higher, peaking at 5.46% in October. Lipid levels showed seasonal or physiological variation, with B. bayad reaching 16.5% in July and M. rume reaching 8.6% in September. Crude protein remained high across all species, often exceeding 20%, especially in months August and September. NFE content was highest in July for M. rume and B. bayad, then decreased over time. Statistically significant differences among parameters and species suggest that these biochemical compositions are influenced by environmental factors, physiological states, or seasonal changes. The mineral analysis demonstrated that mineral concentrations, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, fluctuated significantly over time. M. rume had the highest potassium content initially, while O. niloticus had the highest sodium levels in July. Calcium and magnesium levels were relatively stable early on but declined markedly in October, with magnesium in O. niloticus dropping to 0.07 mg/100g and calcium in B. bayad to 0.35 mg/100g. Sodium levels also decreased sharply across all species in October, with a partial rebound in November. These variations highlight the dynamic nature of mineral content, likely influenced by environmental conditions, physiological adjustments, or feeding practices.