Variation in Chemical Composition of Oils from Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) Belly Flaps with Capture Site and Season

Abstract

Fatty material from Nile perch belly flaps, a major processing by-product, was assessed for variation in fat content, fatty acid composition, vitamin A content, and level of contaminants in relation to capture site and season. Nile perch from Lake Victoria had higher material yield and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) but lower content of vitamin A than those from Lake Albert. Levels of omega- 3 FAs (4.36–20.20%) and vitamin A (2.83–7.88 mg/100 g of oil) were generally high. Levels of lead and cadmium showed significant variation with site. Material weight and vitamin A contents were higher, whereas FAs were lower in fish captured during the dry season than those in the wet season.