Influence of different dietary lipid sources on the growth,tissue fatty acid composition,histological changes and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ gene expression in large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.)

A 9‐week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the impact of dietary lipid sources on the lipid mechanisms of large yellow croaker by feeding three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO) and beef tallow (BT) respectively. The effects of the diets on the growth performance, somatic indices, tissue fatty acid composition, histological changes and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ expression were evaluated. Experimental diets were all well accepted by fish and no significant (P>0.05) differences were found in the weight gain, growth rate and feed conversion rate. The fatty acid profile of the fish fillet and liver reflected the fatty acid composition of the diets. Specific‐fatty acids were selectively retained, however, in the flesh of the fish; in particular, docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid concentrations were higher than the dietary concentrations. When FO was replaced by SO or BT diets, the reduction in eicosapontaenoic acid in fish tissue was more pronounced, suggesting a preferred utilization of this fatty acid. The consumption of SO displayed intense lipid accumulation in the liver of the fish. The expression of PPARγ increased significantly in the SO group compared with the FO and BT groups (P<0.05).