Nutritional Composition of Segregated Portions of Oreochromis niloticus from Unnichai Tank in Batticaloa District

Abstract

Laboratory analysis conducted on the nutritional quality of the fin fish of different standard lengths in the Unnichai tank in Batticaloa yielded the following quantitative values. The protein content ranged from 8.76–23.55%. The lipid content varied between 1.89–16.77% while the element spectrum revealed that the flesh also has minerals such as Na, Ca and K. The proximate composition varies with the standard length of the fish. The same phenomenon has been found with different body parts for its composition. If the fish offal have high protein, fat suitable to the ornamental fish feed and shrimp feed preparation. This lead to reduction in the solid waste in the market. The standard length provides a tool for fisheries management regulation to be placed for future sustainability of the fish stocks (common property resource) in the tank. The results indicate that fish of moderate size fish are economically suitable for utilization without harming the parental brood stock. Thereby catering to the future nutritional needs.