ABSTRACT

 This study is aimed at investigating the effect of different pre-treatments on the quality of smoked dried fish. The proximate composition, minerals, physicochemical properties and microbial analysis of the fish samples were analysed using standard analytical methods. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Duncan's Multiple Range Tests to determine the means and standard deviation at significant level of P< 0.05. The proximate analysis of the control were 37.20% for moisture, 13.81% for ash, 5.81% for ether extract, 37.61 % for protein and 5.57% for carbohydrate. Sample E had the highest protein content (46.31%) compared to other samples analysed while sample A had the lowest (37.61%). Proteins are one of the macromolecule and it is alternate energy source when other sources are in short supply. For magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium and iron were 2.00, 25.45, 14.45, 10.29 and 1.59 mg/1 00 g respectively .. Sample D was significantly higher in magnesium (2.11 mg/I 00 g) compared to other samples while sample A recorded the least (2.00 mg/I 00 g). Magnesium functions as an activator of many ATP requiring enzymes such as hexokinase, fructokinase, PFK etc, as well as playing a role in insulin sensitivity. The physico-chemical properties analysed revealed the presence of varying quantities of thiobarbituric acid, peroxide value, pH, colour and solubility. Sample E recorded the highest peroxide value (2.33 meq/g) while sample A had the least of 2.25 meq/g. Peroxide value is the initial stage of the oxidative changes. Bacteria and fungi count were 2.0 x 10° and 2.4 x 10°cfu/g respectively. The microbial examination revealed that consumption of the fish cannot pose any health risk to the consumers. There were significant reduction (P <0.05) in moisture and protein compared to raw. But there were significant increase in ash, ether extract and carbohydrate. The fish treated with Yaji and Brine (Sample E) were mostly preferred in all the sensory attributes. Fish is nutritionally potent and could be good for dietary supplements in nutrition.