Nutritional quality of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) caught off the Mediterranean water, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University

2 Zoology department, Faculty of science, Mansoura University, Egypt

Abstract

The proximate composition, mineral contents and the antioxidant capacity of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) caught off the Mediterranean water of Port said coast were investigated. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the nutritive value of body meat of this species. The proximate compositions of meat of both male and female crabs were significantly different (P>0.05). Both crabs were rich in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and Sulphur. The maximum enzyme activities occurred in winter, while the lowest occurred in fall. The results showed that blue crab captured off the coast of Port Said was contaminated with O, P-DDE at levels below the US FDA and FAO's maximum residual limit. High bacterial density was reported in winter and spring seasons, and low bacterial density was reported in autumn, the male crabs had a higher prevalence of bacteria than females. All the data of both species of crab showed highly nutritious meat and low health risk.

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