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ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to evaluate the proximate composition of the flesh and exoskeleton of Gabon shrimp (Atya gabonensis) from the Ovia River, subjected to two drying methods: smoke drying and sun drying. The sample comprised 100 freshwater prawns, with total lengths ranging from 54 mm to 124.44 mm and body weights from 0.4 g to 5.48 g. Analysis revealed moisture content values between 8.09±0.25% and 11.43±1.02%, with no significant differences among the treatments. Ash content varied significantly, from 12.03±1.17% to 37.15±0.91%, with the highest values in sun-dried exoskeletons. Protein content ranged from 5.10±0.56% to 10.90±0.11%, showing significant differences between flesh and exoskeleton samples and drying methods. Ethyl extract content was highest in smoke-dried flesh at 26.08±0.79%, while crude fibre was notable in exoskeleton samples, particularly in smoke-dried samples at 14.86±0.52%. Dry matter content showed no significant differences, ranging from 88.60±4.43% to 91.91±1.30%. Nitrogen-free extracts ranged from 36.40±2.62% to 49.34±5.55%, with significant differences observed between the treatments. The study highlights the nutritional composition of A. gabonensis and the impact of different drying techniques, providing valuable information for its use as a dietary supplement and for optimizing food preservation methods.
