Biochemical composition of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) cultured in China

Abstract

The biochemical composition of dorsal muscle from large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) cultured in China was studied. The comparison was made between the fish fed raw fish (RF) and commercial feed (CF). Two-year-old fish cultured in floating net cages were sampled for analysis. Moisture, protein, lipid and ash contents were determined. Amino acid composition was determined by an automatic amino acid analyzer. Fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography. The analysis results showed that fish in the CF group had lower levels of crude fat content and essential amino acids content (P < 0.05). The percentages of total saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher, while the corresponding total polyunsaturated fatty acids content was significantly lower in the CF group. In the two groups, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid content and the ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids were found to be generally high. © 2008, Blackwell Publishing.