NUTRITIVE VALUE OF MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII CULTURED IN A FRESH WATER POND AT THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA.

Shrimp is one of the most popular shell fish and is rich in protein, calcium and various extractable compounds and minerals for the human body. Shrimps are capable of extracting some elements from water and also respond to dietary sources. Hence the present study was aimed at assessing the proximate composition in addition to estimation of important minerals, amino acids and fatty acids in Macrobrachium rosenbergii which are cultured in ponds situated in Swamimalai, Thanjavur District Tamil Nadu, India. The protein content, carbohydrate content and the lipid content were 70.61, 5.44 and 11.60%, respectively. Among minerals, Ca recorded the highest (162.45 mg/g) and Fe the least (4.9 mg/g). Among the essential amino acids, methionine recorded the highest and histidine and tryptophan the lowest percentage. Among non essential amino acids, glycine recorded the highest and asparagive the lowest percentage. Among saturated fatty acids stearic acid recorded the highest percentage. Mono unsaturated oleic acid was also recorded a high percentage. Various poly unsaturated fatty acids could also be detected. Thus, the study shows that M. rosenbergii can be a good candidate for human consumption in terms of its nutritive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]