Lipid content and composition in common carp - optimization of n-3 fatty acids in different pond production systems

This study examined whether the lipid composition of common carp muscle can be improved and become an important source of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in human nutrition. Carp from three pond production systems in South Bohemia were given access to plankton, plankton with the addition of cereals, or pellets containing rapeseed cake suggested to enhance lipid nutritional value. White muscle fatty acid composition was investigated and compared among treatments. Fish with no supplements were characterized by a high content of n-3 HUFA, especially eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish supplemented with rapeseed pellets had a moderate n-3 HUFA level, while those supplemented with cereals were characterized by a high oleic acid content and low level of n-3 fatty acids. The pond plankton populations contained high proportions of n-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, with an n-3/n-6 ratio around three. In summary, the rapeseed-based pellet resulted in a more polyunsaturated lipid composition of the fish flesh, also with regard to n-3 fatty acids. The conclusion is that the novel rapeseed-based supplement is beneficial to human health.