Seasonal Variations in Biochemical Composition of Edible Crab (Protunus Pelagicus Linneaus)

Seasonal changes in biochemical composition such as water, total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, protein, glycogen, lipid and ash have been followed throughout the year in both male and female crabs. The analysis were done on three parts body meat, claw meat and trash. The water content of the entire body (edible and non-edible) showed no seasonal fluctuations. However significant seasonal variations were noted in other component of edible parts nitrogen (total) washiger in edible parts than in trash. The percentage of protein was found to be high in edible parts for most of the time during the year (54 to 75%) while the reserved polysaccharides (glycogen) were ranged from 1.53 to 2.44%. The total lipid of edible tissue was ranged from 3.8 to 4.7 % and total inorganic contents were varied from 8.4 to 11.3 % but they were high in non-edible portion (33.0 %). The calorific value (ash inclusive) was ranged from 3.5 to 3.8 Kcal/g.