Nutritional composition of a composite sample of whole green crabs,
Carcinus maenas (L.), was undertaken to evaluate efficacy as a forage fish
replacement for seafood-meal manufacture. Whole green crabs sampled from
New Hampshire waters were ground together and analyzed for proximate
profile (moisture, lipid, protein, fiber, and ash), fatty acid profile,
amino acid profile, mineral composition, and mercury content. Green crab
mince contained 16.55 ± 0.29% ash, 12.27 ± 0.25% protein, and 0.21 ± 0.07%
lipid, and comprised all amino acids essential for chickens and most
species of fish. Fatty acid composition of ground green crab was 67.98%
unsaturated, and 23.29% saturated, and was richer in eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA) than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Levels of mercury in green crab
mince were below testable limits. The nutritional profile of green crab
mince was evaluated relative to the nutritional profile of menhaden from
the literature, and possible agrifeed applications for whole green crab
were considered. Green crab showed great potential as a forage fish
replacer in seafood-meal applications for chickens and ash tolerant
species of fish.
