Abstract
Assessment of moringa oleofera seed powder on the shelf life of smoked Clarias gariepinus. Fifteen table sized C. gariepinus with an
average weight of 550g were used and were assigned into five treatments. The five treatments were soaked in M. oleifera marinade
(MOM) at diferent inclusion level. These are: the control with 0% MOM, 10g MOM inclusion, 20g MOM inclusion, 30g MOM inclusion
and 40g MOM inclusion in 1000cm3 of water. The fish were gutted, washed and randomly assigned to the treatments. Thereafter, the
fishes were soaked in the treatments for one hour and later hot smoked. After smoking, the fishes were stored in netted boxes and
placed on laboratory shelves for two months. Microbial counts and proximate composition were conducted on the various treatments
at 7-day interval for four weeks. There was a general increase in microbial load as storage progressed. There was a general increase in
microbial load as storage progressed. However, the increment was pronounced in the control fish samples. In all levels of MOM, there
was decrease in the bacterial and mold/yeast counts as compared with the control samples. 4% MOM exhibited the highest antibac-
terial potency and antifungal potency as well. Of all the nutrients which are Protein, fat, fibre, ash, moisture and carbohydrate, only
protein and moisture increased generally as storage weeks progressed. The other nutrients decreased. M. oleifera marinade could be
used to protect stored smoked catfish from microbial spoilage thus limiting economic loss and possible health risk to consumers. It
was concluded that using M. oleifera seed as a preservative for smoked C. gariepinus enhances the nutrient quality and reduces the
microbial loads. Therefore, preservation of feed with M. Oleifera seed should be encouraged.
Volume 3 • Issue 1 • 2021
Copyright © All rights are reserved by Edward A.
Journal of Agriculture and Aquaculture
Research Article
Edward A*
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Adamawa State University, Mubi- Nigeria
Received: March 16, 2021; Published: August 19, 2021
*Corresponding Author: Edward A, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Adamawa State University, Mubi-Nigeria.
Assessment of Moringa Oleofera Seed Powder
on the Shelf Life of Smoked Clarias Gariepinus
Citation: Edward A (2021). Assessment of Moringa Oleofera Seed Powder on the Shelf Life of Smoked Clarias Gariepinus. Journal of Agri-
culture and Aquaculture 3(1).
Fish is an indispensable source of animal protein, essential fatty
acids, minerals and vitamins. Its amino acids composition very
well suited human dietary requirements, competing favorably with
egg, milk and meat in its nutritional value (Feldhusen, 2000). Fish
protein is relatively cheaper and richer in lysine and other Sulphur
amino acids than other livestock protein thus suitable for comple-
menting high carbohydrate diets (Abdullahi et al., 2001). Fish is
highly perishable. It is readily susceptible to chemical and micro-
bial deterioration leading to economic loss, reduction in quality
attributes and wastage (Gram and Huss, 2001). Food wastage and
spoilage has been recognized as a significant constraint in achiev-
ing the much-desired self-sufficiency in food and fibre production
in Africa (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2000).
Presently, about two-third of the world population subsist on
poorly balanced diets that retard normal growth and development
(Food and Agriculture Organization, 2012). Shelf life is defined as
the period of time a product is fit for consumption; it is a relatively
short period for fresh fish stored under refrigerated conditions (12
Introduction