Results of chemical analysis of prawn muscle as influenced by sex variations

Abstract

Abstract The main muscle constituents in 100 male and female prawn as related to their moisture contents were analysed. The study was aimed to assess the nutritional state in which prawn exists and determine which sex is the more susceptible to changes. Significant higher levels of ash and water in males and relatively greater contents of fat, protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus and gross energy in females were determined. The data given in this study can establish the non starved condition in which the prawn exist. The variation in muscle constituents between male and female prawn reflects the differences in the sex development and their energy requirements during maturation.