NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA (DOMESTIC PIGEON) AND COLUMBA GUINEA (SPECKLED PIGEON) MUSCLE TISSUE MEAL AS POTENTIAL ANIMAL PROTEIN INGREDIENT IN AQUACULTURE

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the Nutritional characterization of columba livia domestica (domestic pigeon) and columba guinea (speckled pigeon) muscle tissue meal as potential animal protein ingredient in aquaculture. The proximate composition, some mineral contents and amino acids profile were determined in Columba liviadomestica (domestic pigeon) and Columba guinea (speckled pigeon) found in Zaria, Kaduna State. The result showed significant difference in the whole weight between speckled pigeon (282.42 ±4.54) and domestic pigeon (272.66 ±8.71), gutted weight two avian species showed no significant difference (P> 0.05), domestic pigeon (201.50±4.10) had a higher gutted weight than speckled pigeon (180.68±6.34). There was significant difference in crude protein (66.70±0.70) content compared to speckled pigeon crude protein (62.18±0.32) contents. The ash content (4.51±0.14), crude fibre (0.82±0.17) and nitrogen free extract (9.82.±0.18) of speckled pigeon was lower than that of domestic pigeon with ash content (4.78±0.22), crude fibre (1.11±0.06) and nitrogen free extract (10.47±0.32). The study further disclosed significant difference in Mg, Na and K composition between the two columbid species; however; amino acid of both species did not differ significantly (P>0.05). In conclusion, speckled and domestic pigeon muscle tissues were rich in crude protein, mineral and amino acids and, therefore, recommended for use as a valuable inclusive component as animal protein sources in aquaculture feed industries.