Incorporation of yolk fatty acids into body lipids of goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) larvae raised at two different temperatures

In five separate experiments, eggs from a single female goldfish were fertilized at 20°C. They were incubated at 22°C for 6 hours, after which some of the eggs were transferred to 13°C. When a defined post-hatch developmental stage was reached, lipid extracts were prepared from larvae, both with yolk sacs intact and after removal of the yolk sac by dissection. Other larvae were sampled at yolk exhaustion. Gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acid profiles revealed that larvae incorporated 16:0, 18:0, 20:4 (n–6) and 22:6 (n–3) into their tissues in proportions higher than those present in the eggs from which they were derived. At 22°C, these trends were particularly apparent at yolk exhaustion. At 13°C, proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the bodies of newly hatched larvae were higher than those in the 22°C larval bodies. Monounsaturated fatty acids were preferentially depleted during development, especially in larvae from high quality eggs. No dependence of egg quality, as assessed by larval viability at 22°C, on total egg lipid mass or fatty acid composition was found. Larvae from the lowest quality eggs showed a reduced preference for incorporation of (n–3) polyunsaturated fatty acids into their tissues.     

Changes in lipid classes,fatty acids,protein and amino acids during egg development and yolk‐sac larvae stage in brill (Scophthalmus rhombus L.)

Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus L.) is a flatfish considered of special interest for aquaculture diversification, but the high mortality observed during the early larval rearing is the main obstacle to commercial culture. The objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of nutrient utilization of early‐hatched larvae, characterizing the changes in lipid and protein contents during embryogenesis and the yolk‐sac larval stage of S. rhombus. Total lipid, lipid classes and fatty acid contents remained constant during embryogenesis and yolk‐sac larval development, except for phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, which increased in quantity during the yolk‐sac larval stage. On the other hand, total protein (including non‐protein nitrogen) and amino acids decreased their contents in both periods, especially at hatching. The decrease only in the serine, glutamic acid, proline and lysine contents during embryogenesis suggests a selective use of amino acids during this phase. Unlike embryogenesis, amino acids loss during hatching appears to be non‐selective, and almost all amino acids (essential and non‐essential) decreased. Our results suggest that there is higher catabolism of protein vs. lipid during embryogenesis and the yolk‐sac larval stage of S. rhombus.     

Comparison of the lipid profiles from wild caught eggs and unfed larvae of two scombroid fish: northern bluefin tuna (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus thynnus</Emphasis> L., 1758) and Atlantic bonito (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarda sarda</Emphasis> Bloch, 1793)

Lipids and essential fatty acids are determinants of the reproductive process in marine fish, affecting fecundity, egg quality, hatching performance, pigmentation and larval malformation. We have analyzed and characterized the lipids of eggs and unfed larvae of two wild caught scombroid fish, the Atlantic northern bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda). Dry matter and total lipid contents, polar and neutral lipid classes and total lipid fatty acid contents were determined in the eggs of bluefin tuna and eggs and unfed larvae during the development of Atlantic bonito. Bluefin tuna eggs had slightly but significantly more dry mass than bonito eggs but very similar lipid content. However, bluefin tuna eggs presented a higher polar lipid content due to increased proportions of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). Bonito eggs and larvae showed increasing dry mass and decreasing lipid content with development. The proportion of polar lipids increased due to increased PE, PS and PI, whereas choline-containing polar lipids (phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin) remained relatively constant. Free cholesterol also increased, whereas the levels of other neutral lipids, especially triacylglycerol and steryl ester fractions, decreased, presumably due to utilization for energy to drive development. Bluefin tuna eggs had higher levels of n − 3 and n − 6 highly unsaturated fatty acids due to higher docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid contents, respectively, than bonito eggs. The results are discussed in relation to the lipid and fatty acid requirements of larval scombroid fish in comparison to those of other larval marine finfish species under culture conditions.     

Effect of broodstock diets on lipid classes and their fatty acid composition in eggs of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.)

Total lipid content, total lipid fatty acids, lipid classes and their fatty acid compositions were studied in eggs of gilthead sea bream from two different broodstocks. The two broodstock diets used had the same total lipid content, but differed with respect to their fatty acid levels. The lipid class composition of eggs from different origins was not significantly different. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin, and the main neutral lipid classes were cholesterol esters and triacylglycerols. The fatty acid composition of total lipids and main lipid classes in the two groups of eggs showed marked differences, reflecting the influence of fatty acid levels in the broodstock diets.     

Influence of dietary polar lipids' quantity and quality on ingestion and assimilation of labelled fatty acids by larval gilthead seabream

Dietary supplementation of phospholipids seems to be extremely important to promote growth and survival in fish larvae. Several studies also suggest the importance of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) rich phospholipids to further enhance larval performance. In the present study, four different diets were formulated in order to compare the effect of total dietary polar lipid contents, of soya bean lecithin supplementation and of feeding n-3 HUFA in the form of neutral or polar lipids on ingestion and incorporation of labelled fatty acids in gilthead seabream larvae. These diets were prepared including radiolabelled fatty acids from palmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, glycerol trioleate, free oleic acid (FOA) and free eicosapentaenoic acid (FEPA) and were fed to 25 day-old larvae. The results of these experiments showed that the elevation of the dietary polar lipid levels significantly improved microdiet ingestion, regardless of the origins of the polar lipids. This effect caused an improved incorporation of phosphatidylcholine fatty acids to the larval polar and total lipids (TL) as the dietary polar lipids increased. Nevertheless, a better incorporation of fatty acids from dietary polar lipids in comparison with that of fatty acids from dietary triglycerides into larval lipids was found in gilthead seabream, whereas a better utilization of dietary triglycerides fatty acids than dietary free fatty acids could also be observed. Besides, the presence of n-3 HUFA rich neutral lipids (NL) significanlty increased the absorption efficiency of labelled oleic acid from dietary triglycerides, but the presence of n-3 HUFA rich polar lipids, particularly improved the incorporation of FEPA. This fatty acid was preferentially incorporated into larval polar lipids in comparison with FOA.     

Utilization of free amino acids, yolk proteins and lipids in developing eggs and yolk-sac larvae of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma

ABSTRACT:   To elucidate the utilization of the major yolk nutrient stocks in eggs and larvae of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma , the contents of free amino acids (FAA), the major yolk protein (180 kDa lipovitellin originated from vitellogenin B in ovulated eggs: oLv B), and lipids were measured. Most eggs hatched 18 days after fertilization at 5°C, and all larvae absorbed almost all their yolk mass by 28 days. The total FAA content showed no change during the first 6 days, and then decreased to 28% of the initial level by 18 days. The oLv B contents, measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a specific antiserum against oLv B, gradually decreased from 6 to 18 days, followed by a rapid decline. The content of phospholipids (PL) and triacylglycerols (TG) showed no marked change until hatching, and then decreased until disappearance of yolk sac. From these results, it is proposed that there are two main periods for nutrient utilization in embryos and larvae of walleye pollock. In the first period, FAA was mainly utilized until 18 days after fertilization. Active utilization of oLv B and lipids (PL and TG) instead of FAA occurred during the second period from 18 to 28 days.     

Compartmental changes in the contents of total lipid, lipid classes and their associated fatty acids in developing yolk-sac larvae of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)

Total lipid, lipid classes and their associated fatty acids have been measured in whole halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.) larvae and in dissected animals separated into yolk and body compartments. At hatching the larval body contained 17 μg ind^?1 of lipid (11% of larval body dry weight), while the yolk contained 190 μg ind^?1. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) accounted for 57% of total yolk lipids while phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), triacylglycerol (TAG), cholesterol and sterol ester (SE) accounted for 12%, 12%, 9% and 6% respectively. The main fatty acids in the PC fraction were 22:6n-3 (25.6 μg ind^?1), 16:0 (19.2 μg ind^?1) and 20:5n-3 (12.6 μg ind^?1). Between hatch and 200 day-degrees post hatch (D°PH) a net decline in total lipids of 29% was seen. There seemed to be some, but relatively minor, changes in the relative composition of lipids in the yolk throughout development, which are indicative of a non-selective endocytotic bulk uptake of lipids from the yolk. Towards first-feeding there was a selective catabolism of PC and a net synthesis of PE in the developing body, resulting in a shift in the lipid class composition in the body compared with that of the yolk. The fatty acids released from lipid hydrolysis were mainly used as energy substrates by the growing halibut larvae; 22:6n-3 was quantitatively one of the most important fatty acid fuel in energy metabolism. At the same time 38% and 23% of the 22:6n-3 released from PC was retained by the PE and neutral lipids in the growing larval body respectively. Except for 20:5n-3 (2%, 14%) no similar retention was seen in any of the other fatty acids. The observed net synthesis of PE in developing yolk-sac larvae of Atlantic halibut and the preferential retention of 22:6n-3 into it, increasing from 28% at hatching to 45% at 200 D°PH, may point to a high biological value of this compound.     

Lipid composition of the mantle and digestive gland of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Octopus vulgaris</Emphasis> juveniles (Cuvier, 1797) exposed to prolonged starvation

Lipid composition of the mantle and digestive gland of Octopus vulgaris that were not fed for 27 days were determined. Every 3 days, three octopuses were killed and samples of the mantle and the digestive gland (DG) were taken, in order to determine total lipids as well as lipid classes and fatty acids. Composition in total lipids (TL) for the mantle was similar until day 21, then decreased and remained similar until the end of the experiment. Composition in total lipids for the DG decreased significantly after 3 days, then remained similar until day 21, and then decreased until the end of the experiment. As for the lipid classes, in the DG the main components were triglycerides and sterol esters. Sterol esters suffered strong reductions after 10 days of starvation, while triglycerides remained similar until day 21 and then decreased until the end of the experiment. Cholesterol decreased gradually throughout the experimental period. For polar lipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine increased during the first 3 days and then decreased throughout the experiment. In the mantle, the only neutral classes that decrease were triacylglycerols and sterol esters, while no polar lipid classes decreased in this organ. It was noticeable the decrease in almost all fatty acids in the DG after 3 days of starvation, while in the mantle there were no differences in fatty acid concentrations during the experiment.     

黄颡鱼早期发育阶段受精卵和鱼体脂肪酸组成变化

研究了黄颡鱼受精卵孵化期间和仔鱼发育阶段脂肪含量和脂肪酸的组成变化规律.采用常规化学分析方法和气相色谱法对黄颡鱼从鱼卵受精开始至仔鱼孵化后未投饵的7 d内的脂肪含量和脂肪酸组成进行测定.结果表明,受精卵在整个孵化期间脂肪含量有下降趋势.受精卵中不饱和脂肪酸含量大于饱和脂肪酸含量.受精卵在整个孵化期间各种脂肪酸含量无明显变化.仔鱼孵化后,鱼体总脂肪含量急剧下降,总脂含量从0日龄的4.57%降低到7日龄的0.75%.仔鱼在饥饿期间鱼体脂肪酸组成发生明显变化,单不饱和脂肪酸含量下降最为明显,尤其是C18:1.仔鱼在饥饿期间,脂肪酸按n-9>n-6>n-3顺序被先后利用,黄颡鱼仔鱼发育阶段主要以单不饱和脂肪酸作为能量代谢基质,而C20:4n6(AA)和C22:6n3(DHA)优先于C20:5n3(EPA)被保存下来.     

Changes in the content of total lipid,lipid classes and their fatty acids of developing eggs and unfed larvae of the Senegal sole,Solea senegalensis Kaup

Total lipids, lipid classes and their associated fatty acids were quantified in developing eggs, yolk-sac larvae and starving larvae (from day 1 to day 5 after hatching) of the Senegal sole,Solea senegalensis Kaup. Larvae during early development and starvation consumed about 0.6% of its dry weight per day, mainly due to lipid catabolism. There was a net consumption of approximately 1.7% total lipid per day, and a net energy utilization of 1.3 kcal g^–1 dry weight biomass day^–1, mostly derived from lipid depletion. The overall decrease of total neutral lipids (mainly triacylglycerols and sterol esters) was 3.4 faster than that of total polar lipids (primarily phosphatidylcholine), with rates of 29.2 and 8.7 g mg^–1 dry weight biomass day^–1, respectively. There was a concomitant increase in PE, PS and phosphatidic acid during the period under study. Total saturated and total monounsaturated fatty acids were catabolized (primarily 160 and 161 (n-7)) as energy substrates at rates of 7.4 and 10.9 g mg^–1 total lipid day^–1, whereas total PUFAs were conserved. DHA was specifically retained in PE, whereas EPA and DHA were catabolized in PC and triacylglycerol. Total DMA and AA contents in total lipid increased during early development and starvation. The data denote a pattern of lipid metabolism during early development of Senegal sole similar to that of other marine larval fish, with eggs containing high amounts of total lipids (presence of oil globule/s), from temperate waters and with short developmental periods; the pattern contrasts with fish larvae from eggs of cold water fish species that contain low levels of total lipids (lack of oil globule/s) and have long developmental periods.Abbreviations AA all-cis-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (arachidonic acid, 204(n-6)) - C free cholesterol - DHA all-cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (226(n-3)) - DMA dimethyl acetal - EPA all-cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (205(n-3)) - HUFA highly unsaturated fatty acids (C₂₀ with 3 double bonds) - PC phosphatidylcholine - PE phosphatidylethanolamine - PI phosphatidylinositol - PS phosphatidylserine - PUFA polyunsaturated fatty acid(s) - SE sterol ester - TAG triacylglycerol     

Effects of dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols (tricaprylin and tricaproin) and phospholipid supply on survival, growth and lipid metabolism in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) larvae

The present study investigated the interaction of dietary medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and phospholipids (PL) on survival, growth and lipid metabolism in common carp larvae. Nine diets based on casein and dextrin and with a variable lipid part were tested in triplicate for 22 days post first feeding. The 3×3 design consisted of three triacylglycerols (3% of diet) combined with three different lipid supplements. Tested triacylglycerols were triolein (TOL), tricaprylin (TC8) and tricaproin (TC6), and lipid supplements were 2% soybean oil (low-fat diets without PL), 2% soybean lecithin (low-fat diets with 2% PL) or both 2% soybean lecithin and 6% TOL (high-fat diets with 2% PL).

In the first step, both TC6 and TC8 resulted in improved survival and growth rates compared to TOL, irrespective of the PL supply. In the second step, TC8 decreased survival and growth rates, whereas the difference between TC6 and TOL became less. Histological signs of impaired intestinal absorption of neutral lipids were evidenced in larvae fed TOL without PL and also in high-fat diets with 2% PL. The latter diets also resulted in poorer growth rates compared to low-fat diets with 2% PL. These results suggest that the quantitative PL requirement of larvae increases as the dietary level of long-chain triacylglycerols increases. Larvae fed TC6 or TC8 showed enlarged liver and hepatocyte volume and a decreased level of body neutral lipids. Based on β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HBA) measurements in whole larvae, TC8 was found to be more ketogenic than TC6. TC6 and TC8 affected differently the fatty acid profile of larval body neutral lipids. TC6 did not induce the appearance of MCFA, whereas TC8 feeding resulted in a low level of 8:0 and relatively high levels of 10:0 (3.8% of total fatty acids). Neither 8:0 nor 10:0 were found in larval polar lipids.

This study confirmed the essentiality of PL in common carp larval diets and underlines differences in the utilization of TC6 and TC8, which both initially stimulate growth during the first week, but only temporarily in the case of TC8.     

Hatching time effect on the intra‐spawning larval morphology and growth in Northern pike (Esox luciusL.)

Based on the analysis of 11 morphometric variables of body (total length, body area and perimeter, myotome height and eye diameter) and yolk sac (length, height, area, perimeter and volume) of pike larvae, the aim of this study was to evaluate how larval size at hatching and growth of larvae hatched from single egg batches vary according to three hatching times: early, mid and late. Hatching time structures strongly pike larval morphometrics. Early hatched larvae have smaller body sizes at hatch, faster growth and higher yolk use efficiency than late hatched ones. Early hatched larvae seem to be premature and hatch at precocious developmental stage whereas late hatched individuals continue their growth within the egg shell and hatch at larger size but with lower reserves (yolk). A compensatory growth phase was observed for the early hatching pike larvae particularly during the first 5 days post hatch. Consequently, no significant difference in body parameters was recorded from day 10 post hatching whatever the hatching time. The higher growth accomplished by early hatched larvae may be related to a particular metabolic activity that converts more efficiently yolk into body tissues.     

The influence of salinity on the morphological development of yolk sac larvae of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)

The effects of incubation salinity on survival and morphological development of yolk sac larvae of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.), were studied at two salinities, 35.5%o and 32.3%o. Yolk sac larvae incubated at 35.5%o developed early tail deformities before 50 day-degrees (9 days post-hatch), and necrosis, oedema and calculus in the urinary bladder at about 150 day-degrees (28 days post-hatch). However, the incidence and severity of mouth deformity was not influenced by salinity. The cumulative mortality up to first feeding was 17% when the larvae were incubated at 3 5.5%o compared to 7% at 32.3%o. A broad variation between the different larval groups was noted in the extent of injuries induced by the higher salinity. Therefore, salinity must be considered as a critical environmental parameter for the yolk sac larvae of Atlantic halibut in aquaculture.     

Fatty acid utilization during the early larval stages of Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) and Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis)

The pattern of conservation and loss of fatty acids from the yolk sac during the endogenous feeding period and subsequent starvation was studied in pompano and snook larvae. Fundamental information on the early fatty acid dynamic and mobilization of pompano and snook larvae was collected. In both species, fatty acids were utilized as an energy source after hatching. Mono‐unsaturated fatty acids were catabolized, while saturated and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids were conserved. High levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) in pompano and snook eggs, as well as selective retention in the unfed larvae suggest a high dietary requirement for this fatty acid during the early stages of larval development. The effect of an ARA supplementation was therefore investigated in snook larvae at the rotifer feeding stage. The fatty acid profile of the larvae was successfully influenced to match that of wild eggs; however, no significant improvement in growth or survival was observed. Future research should be carried out over a longer period of time and include factors related to stress resistance.     

Comparison of dietary phospholipids and neutral lipids: effects on gut, liver and pancreas histology in Atlantic cod (Gadus morha L.) larvae

The aim of the present study was to compare effects of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) being incorporated in the phospholipid (PL) or in the neutral lipid (NL) fraction of the larval feed, on larval growth and histology of digestive organs in Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua L.) larvae. Three isoproteic and isolipidic diets, labelled according to the percentage of n-3 docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid contained in NL1 or in PL1 and PL3 of the diets, were fed to cod larvae from 17 days post hatching (dph) to 45 dph.
In the liver, hepatocytes and their nuclei were smaller in NL1 larvae compared with the PL larvae; the mitochondrial membrane structures were less dense and the amount of lipids observed in the liver was significantly higher in NL1 larvae compared with the PL3 larvae. The liver and gut size was related to larval size, with no differences between the larval groups. The results demonstrated that the essential fatty acids were more beneficial for cod larvae when they were incorporated in the dietary polar PL rather than in the NL, and that the n-3 HUFA requirements in cod larvae is possibly higher than that in the PL1 diet.     

Growth of pike larvae (Esox lucius) under different conditions of food quality and salinity

Abstract –  We measured growth of pike larvae ( Esox lucius ) fed with freshwater and brackish-water zooplankton by monitoring larval wet weight during 18 days. The fish food was analysed for species composition, carbon, nitrogen and fatty acids. Further, we analysed fish larval faecal pellet production. Larval weight was significantly higher in fresh water than in brackish water with natural zooplankton as food. Growth, given as wet weight, showed a significant relationship with zooplankton (>100  μ m) food carbon and highly unsaturated fatty acids, 20:5ω3, 22:6ω3, ω6 fatty acids and the ω3/ω6 fatty acid ratio. Phytoplankton fatty acids (10–50  μ m), such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, 20:5ω3, 22:6ω3 and the ω3 fatty acids also correlated strongly with the wet weight of pike larvae. We demonstrated that several factors impact on pike larval growth.     

Influence of one selected Tisochrysis lutea strain rich in lipids on Crassostrea gigas larval development and biochemical composition

Effects of a remarkably high overall lipid Tisochrysis lutea strain (T+) upon gross biochemical composition, fatty acid (FA), sterol and lipid class composition of Crassostrea gigas larvae were evaluated and compared with a normal strain of Tisochrysis lutea (T) and the diatom Chaetoceros neogracile (Cg). In a first experiment, the influence of different single diets (T, T+ and Cg) and a bispecific diet (TCg) was studied, whereas, effects of monospecific diets (T and T+) and bispecific diets (TCg and T+Cg) were evaluated in a second experiment. The strain T+ was very rich in triglycerides (TAG: 93–95% of total neutral lipids), saturated FA (45%), monounsaturated FA (31–33%) and total fatty acids (4.0–4.7 pg cell^?1). Larval oyster survival and growth rate were positively correlated with 18:1n‐7 and 20:1n‐7, in storage lipids (SL), and negatively related to 14:0, 18:1n‐9, 20:1n‐9, 20:4n‐6 and trans‐22‐dehydrocholesterol in membrane lipids (ML). Surprisingly, only the essential fatty acid 20:5n‐3 in SL was correlated positively with larval survival. Correlations suggest that physiological disruption by overabundance of TAG, FFA and certain fatty acids in larvae fed T+ was largely responsible for the poor performance of these larvae. ‘High‐lipid’ strains of microalgae, without regard to qualitative lipid composition, do not always improve bivalve larval performance.     

An Intensive Approach to Atlantic Halibut Fry Production

The larval stage is regarded to be the main bottleneck of halibut production. Halibut eggs were obtained from captive broodstock both by stripping and by natural spawning. Artificial photoperiods were used to increase the total spawning season. Yolk sac larvae are presently produced either in small stagnant units or in large flow through systems. A major consideration is to avoid stress of the larvae, caused by mechanical disturbances of the larvae and by high bacterial load or high ammonia levels in the water.
The experiments showed that halibut larvae began to ingest algae earlier than rotifers Brachionus sp. Supplementation of algae to first feeding tanks resulted in enhanced survival and growth rate of the larvae. Both rotifers and Artemia can be enriched with very high levels of highly unsaturated n-3 fatty acids (n-3 HUFA). Enriched live feed, containing high levels of n-3 HUFA and total lipids, enhanced both survival and growth of the halibut larvae. The highest growth rates were obtained with wild zooplankton and addition of algae, but enriched cultivated feed combined with algae resulted in growth of the same magnitude as with wild zooplankton.     

Quality of eggs and spermatozoa of rainbow trout fed an n-3 essential fatty acid-deficient diet and its effects on the lipid and fatty acid components of eggs, semen and livers

ABSTRACT: The effect of an n-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) -deficient diet on spawning and on the lipid and fatty acid contents of eggs, semen and livers of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was investigated. Fish were split into two groups and fed either of two diets for a period of 4 months prior to the start of the spawning season. The control group was fed a commercial diet, containing n-3 EFA, whereas the experimental group was fed an n-3 EFA-deficient diet. Fish were 3 years old at the time of spawning. Eggs and semen were stripped off five females and five males from each diet group and cross-fertilized. Two of the five males fed the deficient diet showed a lower sperm motility, resulting in slightly lower mean hatching rates when crossed with eggs of either group. Higher lipid contents in the EFA-deficient diet were reflected in the egg and semen lipid contents, whereas the lipid contents of male livers of both diet groups were higher than those of female livers. In livers and eggs, the main polar lipid was phosphatidylcholine accompanied by phosphatidylethanolamine in sperm polar lipids. The non-polar lipids of eggs were mainly triacylglycerols but in livers and semen, free fatty acids and free sterols were more abundant. Essential fatty acids, namely n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids and linolenic acid, were generally lower in eggs, semen and livers sampled from the EFA-deficient diet group. These results indicate that the fertilization, eyed and hatching rates obtained from crossings with males fed the EFA-deficient diet were slightly lower because of the dietary effect on sperm motility. Moreover, lipids of eggs, semen and livers of male and female rainbow trout were influenced greatly by their dietary availability.     

Effects of incubation water hardness and salinity on egg hatch and fry survival of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus)

This study examined the effects of water hardness and salinity on yolk sac larvae and swim‐up fry survival of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Chitralada strain), eggs during artificial incubation. Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hardness, salinity and the sources of saline incubation water. High water hardness treatments (500–4200 mg L^?1 as CaCO₃) resulted in higher yolk sac larvae and swim‐up fry survival than low water hardness treatments (50.0 and 132 mg L^?1 as CaCO₃); although yolk sac larvae and swim‐up fry survival did not differ among the high or low hardness treatments. Salinity of 4.0 g L^?1 using seawater, and 4.0 and 8.0 g L^?1 using unprocessed common salt resulted in the higher survival rate of yolk sac larvae and swim‐up fry than other salinity treatments. Yolk sac larvae and swim‐up fry survival was found to decrease with the increase in salinity and increase with the increase in water hardness. The present study demonstrated the positive effects of increased water hardness level (>132 mg L^?1) on yolk sac larvae and swim‐up fry survival. The study also showed that seawater salinity of 4 g L^?1 was the most appropriate salinity level for incubating Nile tilapia eggs.