Comparative studies on lipid profiles and amino acid composition of wild and cultured Dojo loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus obtained from southern Japan

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the nutritional properties of wild and cultured loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus obtained from southern Japan. Major parameters, such as whole-body proximate composition, lipid classes, and fatty acid and amino acid composition, were investigated. The whole-body total lipid content of cultured loach was twofold higher than that of wild loach and the proportion of neutral lipids was significantly higher in cultured loach than in wild loach. However, the polar lipid content was two- to threefold lower in cultured loach than in wild loach. Compared to the wild loach, higher contents of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 were detected in cultured loach, but much lower contents of 20:4n-6. In terms of whole-body amino acid composition, wild and cultured loach showed similar profiles. In conclusion, the consumption of cultured loach will contribute to dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids intake, with a benefit to human health.