Larval width as indicator of growth rate and effect of larval classification on final body composition and flesh quality in cultured gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, L.)

• Published in: Journal of Applied Ichthyology
• Main Authors: Mazzeo, Ilaria, Borrell, Yaisel J., Gallego Albiach, Victor, Garcia Fernandez, Carlos, Sánchez, José Antonio, Blanco, Gloria, Pérez Igualada, Luz María, Asturiano Nemesio, Juan Francisco
• Other Authors: Universitat Politècnica de València. Departamento de Ciencia Animal - Departament de Ciència Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal - Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Animal, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Generalitat Valenciana, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2014
• Subjects: BASS DICENTRARCHUS-LABRAX; SALMON SALMO-SALAR; GENETIC CORRELATIONS; PROTEIN-SOURCES; TRAITS; HERITABILITIES; FISH; IMPROVEMENT; DIETS; MEAL; ORGANIZACION DE EMPRESAS; PRODUCCION ANIMAL; Blanco; Fernandez; Garcia Fernandez; Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/64787; https://doi.org/10.1111/jai.12380

[EN] The objective of this study was evaluating the effects on the growth rate and flesh quality of separating larvae according to their larval width in cultured gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, L.). Progeny from two broodstocks (A and B) were divided into two groups according to larval width: heads (being the larger specimens) and tails. After 18months both groups were analysed to evaluate growth, carcass traits and proximal composition. The head specimens reached a larger size and showed a greater level of well-being and degree of nourishment. Total body and fillet composition in general were found to be as expected for this species. Some differences were found in total body composition between head and tail specimens in both batches, and in the fillet composition in batch B (higher fat and lower moisture content in the head specimens). Sensory analyses were carried out using untrained panelists, who were unable to distinguish between the head and tail samples in batch A, whereas differences were noticeable in batch B. Samples from the head group were judged to be tastier and juicier, a consequence of their higher fat content. Hence, fish separation according to larval width is an effective tool to separate progeny into slow and fast growing groups, whereas the total body and fillet analyses and a sensory test ensure that the selection does not generate negative effects on the product quality. Funded by the Coordinated Project SELECTBREAM (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; AGL2007-64060-C03-00, including European Regional Development Funds); I. Mazzeo was supported by a FPI scholarship financed by Generalitat Valenciana; V. Gallego was supported by a FPI scholarship financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; C. Garcia-Fernandez was supported by a FPU scholarship financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. Mazzeo, I.; Borrell, YJ.; Gallego Albiach, V.; Garcia Fernandez, C.; Sánchez, JA.; Blanco, G.; Pérez Igualada, LM. (2014). Larval width as indicator of growth ...