Reduced n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids dietary content expected with global change reduces the metabolic capacity of the golden grey mullet

In this study, we hypothesised that a reduction in n-3 HUFA availability for higher consumers, as expected with global change, would negatively impact the physiological performances of fish. The aim was to experimentally evaluate the effect of n-3 HUFA dietary content on cardio-respiratory performances of the golden grey mullet (Liza aurata), a microalgae grazer of high ecological importance in European coastal areas. These performances were evaluated in terms of critical swimming speed U (crit), associated oxygen consumption MO2, post-exercise oxygen consumption and calcium fluxes in cardiomyocytes. Two replicated groups of fish were fed on a rich (standard diet, SD diet: 1.2 % n-3 HUFA on dry matter basis, DMB) or a poor n-3 HUFA (low n-3 HUFA diet, LD diet: 0.2 % n-3 HUFA on DMB) diet during 5 months and were called SD and LD groups, respectively. The results showed that the LD diet reduced growth rate as well as the aerobic capacity of L. aurata at 20 A degrees C, suggesting that fish may have to save energy by modifying the proportion of energy allocated to energy-demanding activities, such as digestion or feeding. In addition, this LD diet induced higher levels of haematocrit and plasma osmolality, indicating a stress response at the second and third levels in that group. However, the LD diet caused a massive increase in swimming efficiency. This should improve the capacity of L. aurata to migrate and to forage over a wide area. In turn, these could then compensate for the reduction in growth rate and aerobic metabolism.

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Vagner Marie, Zambonino-Infante Jose-Luis, Mazurais David, Imbert Auvray Nathalie, Ouillon Natascha, Dubillot Emmanuel, Le Delliou Herve, Akbar David, Lefrancois Christel (2014). Reduced n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids dietary content expected with global change reduces the metabolic capacity of the golden grey mullet. Marine Biology. 161 (11). 2547-2562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-014-2526-3, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00236/34752/

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