Liver and muscle fatty acid composition of mature and immature rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed two different diets

Abstract

Fatty acid composition of liver and muscle tissues of immature and mature Oncorhynchus mykiss fed on two different diets were determined. Fatty acid analyses were carried out by gas chromatography. Palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1 n-9), linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3) were the major components in both liver and muscle tissues of immature and mature rainbow trout of both sexes. The amounts of C22:6 n-3 were higher in the liver (29.04 +/- 0.06 - 27.41 +/- 0.17%) and muscle (13.05 +/- 0.40 - 11.37 +/- 0.21%) of immature fish than in mature fish and depended on the composition of the diet. Results of this study show that fatty acid composition in fish tissues can considerably vary, depending on the age of fish and their diet. Thus more detailed studies are necessary on the influence of diet on immature and mature fish fatty acid composition. The age and diet of fish consumed may also be important for human health.