Lipid and amino acid metabolism during early development of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)


P. Zhu, C.C. Parrish, J.A. Brown-2003

Aquaculture International, 11 (1-2): 43-52

Abstract:

Lipid classes, fatty acids, free amino acids and protein content in captive Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) eggs were measured to investigate the changes in the biochemical composition of eggs and larvae in both the embryonic and early larval stages. Total free amino acids decreased continuously (p < 0.01) over the embryonic and larval stages investigated. Triacylglycerol was significantly greater at hatch than at all other stages (p < 0.05). When hatching occurred, there was also a significant increase in all phospholipid classes. It is suggested that free amino acids may be the source of carbon skeletons for lipid synthesis at hatching.

(Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C 5S7 Canada, e-mail: cparrish@mun.ca)


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