Effect of rainbow trout growth hormone complementary DNA on body shape, carcass yield, and carcass composition of F1 and F2 transgenic common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The effect of rainbow trout growth hormone complementary DNA on body shape, dress-out yield, and body composition were assessed in the F-1 and F-2 generations of transgenic common carp (Cyprinus carpio). All measurements were compared with those for nontransgenic full-sibling common carp in their respective families, and the fish were communally evaluated in earthen ponds. The body weight and length were highly correlated (P < 0.01) in both genotypes in all the families. Head morphometrics were negatively correlated (P < 0.05) to weight and length of the fish. Various head, body, and caudal traits grew disproportionately faster in transgenic fish in both generations. The altered body shape of transgenic fish resulted in improved dressing percentage in the F-2 generation. The carcass composition of transgenic muscle had a lower percentage of (P < 0.01) moisture and lipids and higher (P < 0.01) percentage of protein in both generations. Six of the 18 amino acids analyzed in F-1 transgenic common carp muscle were higher F-1 (P < 0.05) than the control genotype; however, amino acid ratios were minimally changed. Also, the fatty acid profiles of both genotypes were minimally altered. Higher histidine and lysine ratios in the diet are recommended for maximum growth and health of transgenic common carp in intensive culture systems on the basis of essential amino acid ratios.