Nutrient composition of frozen and smoked fish specimens of Oreochromis niloticus, Labeo coubie and Mormyrops deliciosus from River Niger

Fish is one of the most nutritious diet on earth, and contributes a considerable proportion of its protein to the Nigerian populace. Fifty-four specimens composing of six samples from each species, were analyzed in frozen and smoked states, monthly. Each set of six specimens were cut into two equal parts and randomly re-arranged into two groups. One group was smoked while the other was preserved in the freezer (at-2~'C) for 5 days. The highest moisture content was observed in frozen samples of Mormyrops deliciosus thus: (77.14 ~c 11.05%). Smoked O. niloticus had the highest protein content (26.79 ~c 0.74%) while the least was observed in frozen Mormyrops deliciosus (13.37 ~c 2.57%). Smoked samples of Oreochromis niloticus recorded the highest fat content accounting for a value of (25.97 ~c 0.51 %) while the least was observed in frozen Mormyrops deliciosus (7.97 ~c 0.45%). It could be concluded that while frozen samples loosed nutrient, smoked ones gained nutrients in all three species. The study recommends that fish be consumed in their smoked state, in preference to frozen ones, in response to higher nutritive value. Oreochromis niloticus which recorded the highest nutritive value in crude protein content, should be consumed more, followed by Labeo coubie and Mormyrops deliciosus in that order