Comparative evaluation of nutritional value and flavor quality of muscle in triploid and diploid common carp: Application of genetic improvement in fish quality

Abstract Hybridization can combine the advantages of different strains to produce new varieties, which may also improve the quality of fish. Triploid common carp (3n = 150) were derived from the female diploid common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) (2n = 100) crossing with the male allotetraploid (4n = 200). Nutritional value and flavor quality were investigated in triploid and diploid common carps fed with the same diet for 13 weeks. Results indicated that the triploid common carp exhibited significantly higher levels of crude protein, essential and total amino acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the ratio of n-3 to n-6 PUFAs in muscle than the diploid common carps (P   0.05). Furthermore, the characteristic volatile compounds which including styrene, ethylbenzene, butylated hydroxytoluene, 1-octen-3-ol and (Z)-β-ocimene were screened in the muscle of diploid and triploid common carps, of which styrene and 1-octen-3-ol were the odor-active compounds. Triploid common carp had significantly higher concentration of styrene and 1-octen-3-ol than diploid (P