Comparative study of macro-mineral composition of locally produced and imported fish meals.

Abstract

The macro-mineral compositions of locally produced and imported (Danish) fish meals were evaluated. The local fish meal was produced with Tilapia guineensis and Sarotlzeredon melanothermz which were smoked and ground into powder. The production cost of the local fish meal was 73.89% cost of the imported fish meal. Triplicate samples of the local and imported fish meal were analyzed for sodium (Na⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺, potassium (K⁺), magnesium (Mg⁺) and phosphorus (P). Statistical analysis revealed that the concentrations of Ca²⁺, K⁺ and Ca: P ratio in local fish meal were significantly higher (P<0.01) than their concentrations in imported fish meal. On the other hand, the concentrations of Mg⁺ and P in imported fish meal were significantly higher (P<0.01) th.an fheir concentrations in the local fish meal. Also the concentration of Na⁺ was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the imported fish meal. These differences were attributed to processing method and mineral composition of the fish used. The minerals in both meals were present in concentrations below the dietary requirements of many adult fish species and hence are not recommended as sole diet for feeding them. The local fish meal however compared favourably with the imported one in terms of macro-mineral composition.

Key Words: Local fish meal, imported fish meal, minerals, comparative study