Biochemical composition and caloric values of different body segments of the female mangrove crab (Scylla olivacea)

Abstract

Scylla olivacea is regarded as a nutritionally and economically demandable species, however, there lies a paucity of information on this mangrove crab. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to assess the biochemical composition and caloric values of different body parts of female S. olivacea. The crab samples (100-150g) were collected from a mangrove area of Bagerhat district, the Southern part of Bangladesh from November 2019 to February 2020. The biochemical composition (moisture, protein, lipids, ash, and carbohydrate) and the energy value of the samples were analyzed following standardized methods. The moisture content varied from 38.99±1.29g to 75.15±0.78g per 100g of crab. The carbohydrate level was in the range of 2.89g/100g to 27.77g/100g, while protein content ranging from 0.65±0.10g/100g to 19.24±0.90g/100g. Per 100g of crab, the lowest amount of fat (0.40±0.14g) was observed in the bone while the highest amount (1.79±0.17g) in claw meat. Bone provided the highest amount of ash (32.20±0.69g/100g) and energy (117.34kcal/100g) than other body parts of the crab. The present study reveals that female S. olivacea is high in protein and low in fat providing a good amount of energy. Hence, research on S. olivacea and other crabs commonly found in Bangladesh should be expanded to get more comprehensive knowledge of their nutritional profile and health benefits.