Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) obtain omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids via dietary supply and endogenous bioconversion in semi-intensive aquaculture ponds

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) are essential micronutrients for aquatic consumers. Synthesized by primary producers, n-3 LC-PUFA transferred across trophic levels and may eventually end up accumulating in fish. However, if short dietary supply, fish also biosynthesize from precursors (i.e., C18-PUFA). We applied compound-specific hydrogen stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of to investigate sources metabolic processes LC-PUFA, particular docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) raised semi-intensive aquaculture ponds. Carp were feeding on natural pond zooplankton benthic macroinvertebrates rich cereal-based pellet feeds C18-PUFA. Results provide isotopic evidence that obtained a significant amount lipids nitrogen added feeds, while generally acquired zooplankton. DHA retained was generated endogenously via bioconversion PUFA precursors, such as EPA. isotopically lighter than EPA likely not supplied sufficient quantities meet the physiological requirements carp. Our data show depending abundance these eutrophic ponds, farmed can obtain two different pathways; i.e., directly uptake indirectly bioconversion. This field study highlights importance supply ecosystems ability highly valuable benefiting human health.