01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
Biometric parameters and coliform load in gut of African River Prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii)
Abstract : Sea-foods are considered high-risk due to natural toxins, pathogens, and potential contaminants, complicating food security. The study aims to evaluate the biometrics and examine the coliform load in the gut of African river prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii). Prawn sample was purchased from fishermen in Badagry, Lagos state, Nigeria then transported to the laboratory for analysis. Biometric of the prawn and the coliform load analysis of gut was carried using traditional method and standard microbiological procedure respectively. The biometric and microbiological assessment of prawns revealed significant variations in body metrics and gut microbial load. The body weight of the prawns ranged between 53.7–72.8 g while the total length varied from 20.0–22.0 cm. Carapace, abdominal, tail, antenna, and rostrum lengths also showed appreciable variations, reflecting healthy biometric growth patterns. Organ-to-body weight ratios indicated variability, with the highest abdominal length/weight ratio recorded in sample A (1.11) and the lowest in sample E (0.94). Microbiological analysis revealed that the mean total coliform count (TCC) was highest in sample D (13.00 × 10³ CFU/g) and lowest in sample A (3.33 × 10³ CFU/g). Isolated coliforms included Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp. (40%), Proteus spp. (80%), and Pseudomonas spp. and Shigella spp. (40%). In conclusion, the findings suggest that while prawns exhibit favorable morphometric growth, microbial contamination presents potential public health risks.