Evaluation of Muscle Proximate Composition and Nutritional Value of Six Freshwater Fish Species

Abstract

Fish is an economically viable source of animal protein that is widely available even in rural areas, making it an easily accessible source of protein. The aim of the present study was to determine the proximate composition and nutritional value of 6 different freshwater species of fishes: Orechromis nitoticus, Labeo rohita, Ompok bimaculatus, Notopterus chitala, Channa striata, and Catla catla. The study was conducted from March to September 2022. Nutritional and economic factors were taken into account in the selection of the fish types. According to our findings, dry fish has high-protein content and low-fat which can contribute greatly to children's as well as adult’s recommended protein intake. Fish nutritional value varies significantly depending on the species, size, and age of the fish, but understanding the proximate composition of the fish can provide us with a general idea of its nutritional profile. The data that has been summarized could prove to be beneficial for further studies to determine how dry fish can be utilized effectively to combat malnutrition issues in India and also shares an insight into nutritional values of different fresh water fishes available in the Kalaburagi region.