Lipid content and fatty acid composition in female American shad,Alosa sapidissima, at different stages of ovarian development under reared conditions

Abstract

The fatty acid accumulation in broodstock influences the fecundity of spawners as well as egg quality. A comprehensive understanding of the lipid and fatty acid changes in broodstock during the reproductive period can increase our knowledge of the nutritional requirements in artificial breeding programs. The study assessed the lipid and fatty acid compositions of muscle, liver and ovary of American shad at different stages of reproductive development under reared conditions. The results indicated that there were significant differences in lipid content among ovary, liver and muscle. Mean total lipid levels in ovary, liver and muscle were 15.92%–10.87%, 13.62%–6.89%, 10.39%–6.11% respectively. During the development season, the total lipid content in muscle in stages V and VI were significantly lower than those in stages II and III. The total lipid content in liver in stages IV, V and VI was significantly lower than in stages II and III, whereas the total lipid content in the ovary increased significantly as the gonad developed and reached its highest value at stage V. From II to VI stage, the liver content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) decreased and the ovarian content of DHA increased, whereas the content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) remained relatively constant. The content of C16:0 and C18:1n-9 decreased in muscle and liver, but significantly increased in ovary. It is therefore suggested that the lipids were preferentially transferred from muscle and liver to ovary beginning in stage IV as the gonad matured. At stage IV, the lipid transfer accelerated, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, such as C16:0, C18:1n-9, DHA, EPA and arachidonic acid, were selectively transferred to and conserved in ovaries.