Polyunsaturated fatty acids: an inducer of Nandus nandus reproduction

Incorporation of biofunctional compounds (polyunsaturated fatty acids) with feed is an effective way for gonadal maturation, which would enhance spawning of fish without any hazardous effects on health and thus it is possible to save the vulnerable fish species from the danger of extinction. In the present study Nandus nandus was used as a model to understand the involvement of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the process of improved reproductive performances and early oocyte maturation that resulted in spontaneous spawning, which was extended to improve rearing techniques to get better quality of fry and fingerlings of this fish species. Embryonic and larval developmental stages were also studied, which was for the first time for this endangered fish species. For the confirmation of polyunsaturated fatty acids induced reproductive performances sperm quality, histological structure of the liver, developmental stages of ovary, level of serum Ca2+ concentration, embryonic development and larval growth were investigated. The experiment suggests that supplementation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids eventually improve the spawning performances of fish.