Lipids and fatty acids composition of eggs in relation to larval quality from cultured common sole (Solea solea) broodstock

Eggs quality optimization is a fundamental aspect in the standardization of the production cycle of a fish species. Lipids content and fatty acids composition of common sole (Solea solea) eggs were measured and correlated to eggs and larval viability parameters along an entire reproductive season. Seventeen batches of fertile eggs obtained from natural spawning of captive breeders were characterized for lipid content (L), fatty acids content (FAs), total weight (TW), spawning temperature (T), floating rate (FR), hatching rate (HR) and survival rate of larvae (SR) at 0-6 days post hatching (dph). Based on univariate regression models it was possible to formulate significant relations using L, FAs, TW and T as independent variable. T, L, and 20:5(n-3)+20:4(n-6) (EPA+ARA), were significant (P≤0.05) correlated to FR. T, 14:0, 18:0, 22:6(n-3) (DHA), ∑monounsaturated FAs, ∑polyunsaturated FAs of the (n-3) series, and EPA+ARA were significant correlated to HR and SR. It was also found that L, 16:0, 16:1(n-7), 18:2(n-6), 20:4(n-6), saturated FAs, ∑polyunsaturated FAs of the (n-6) series had a significant effect to HR, while TW, 18:1(n-7), 20:5(n-3), ∑(n-6)/∑(n-3), DHA/EPA were significant correlated to SR. The results indicate that quantitative eggs lipids and fatty acids composition can predict eggs and larval quality of common sole. Since breeders’ diet is one of the main factors affecting eggs composition, the results of this study could provide useful information for broodstock nutrition.