Chemical composition of Yabbies (Cherax albidus Clark 1936) from Western Australian farm dams

Abstract

Proximate analyses, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, mineral composition and heavy metal and pesticide residues have been determined for tail muscle from Cherax albidus Clark 1936 (the yabby), sampled from Western Australian farm dams. The proximate analysis values for water, protein, ash, carbohydrate and energy content and the amino acid and fatty acid profiles of yabby tail muscle were similar to those reported for other decapods. Fat levels were low and, hence, cholesterol was very low in tail meat. Organochlorine pesticides were undetectable and heavy metal residues were well below maximum permitted concentrations for human consumption.