Nutritional quality of some food fish

The proximate compositions and amino acid make-up of silver jew fish (Johnius argentatus), Indian halibut (Psettodes erumei), grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) are reported. Calorific values of these fishes have been calculated from their proximate compositions and their amino acid make-up compared with the available data for beef and egg. From the study, pearl spot is adjudged to be the most nutritive among the fishes studied, followed by Indian halibut, grey mullet and silver jew fish.

Food and feeding habits of Saurida Tumbil (Block, 1795) off Mumbai waters

The present investigation suggests that Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795) is carnivorous and predacious feeding mainly on fishes followed by crustaceans and molluscs. Cannibalism has been observed in the species. Young ones of this species were observed to feed on small fish and Acetes spp., while adults feed on a variety of food. However, fish seems to be the preferred food item. Monthly gastro-somatic index in males indicates poor feeding in the month of february and maximum during august and september. In females, monthly gastro-somatic index indicate poor feeding in december and maximum during january and march. Sex wise study of feeding intensity did not reveal significant difference in males and females.

Nutritional evaluation of an indigenous low cost protein food

A study of supplementary feeding was conducted on children with a protein food (edible fish powder in the form of 'chutney') for 35 days and the effect assessed periodically. The most noticeable effect was gain in weight and mid arm circumference in children. 35% children showed a weight gain of 1 kg, 27% 0.5 kg, 21% 1.5 kg and 2.5% 2.5 kg. 48% children registered an increase in their mid-arm circumference by 0.5 cm, 16% 1 cm and 2.5% 1.5 cm. 10% children did not gain weight. However, these children had intercurrent infections like measles, whooping cough and asthma.

On the importance of Mesopodopsis zeylanica (Crustacea, Mysidacea) as food of fish.

This investigation was aimed at ascertaining the actual consumers of Mesopodopsis zeylanica, to assess its importance in the trophic relationship within the habitat.

Phospholipids of five Indian food fishes

The phospholipids of five Indian food fishes (sardine, pomfret, mackerel, anchovies and thrissocles) were fractionated quantitatively using column and thin layer chromatographic techniques and the results reported in this communication.

The free alpha amino acid nitrogen contents of some common food fishes of Kakinada region, Andhra Pradesh

The moisture and free alpha amino nitrogen contents of some important food fishes and shell fishes of Kakinada region have been studied. Crustaceans and molluscs contain free alpha amino acids in quantities several times higher than all other aquatic animals examined in this study. Their probable role in the physiological activities of these animals has been discussed.

Identification and effectiveness of self-help groups in Cambodia

The CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) seeks to reduce poverty and improve food security for the millions of small-scale fishers and farmers who depend on the world’s floodplains, deltas and coasts. AAS combines more conventional approaches for introducing and scaling technical innovations, such as applied research and training, with approaches that foster innovation and promote institutional and policy change. Specifically, AAS utilizes participatory action research with communities to identify technology and policy solutions that best meet community long-term needs. One of the themes identified under AAS is the role of self-help groups in increasing livelihood resilience of agriculture and fisheries communities. As AAS establishes a hub of operations in Cambodia, AAS and Oxfam America are cooperating to investigate the potential of community-based self-help groups as a strategy for AAS implementation. As part of this cooperation, Oxfam America undertook this consultancy to analyze and describe the role, efficiency and effectiveness of the various types of self-help groups in Cambodia. This report gives an overview of this program which aims to conduct a field-based study to identify the types, main characteristics and effectiveness of self-help groups, with a particular focus on livelihood resilience of agriculture and fisheries communities.