Nutritional values of wild and cultivated silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The proximate composition and amino acid profile of farmed and wild silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) was determined to identify nutritional differences due to habitat changes. Fifty six fishes in total from wild and farm raised population, of two different weight categories (0.5 to 0.1 kg and 1.0 to 1.5 kg), were captured from Head Trimmu and Sher Dil Aquaculture facility District Jhang, Pakistan. Fish samples were chemically analyzed for protein, lipid, moisture and amino acid profile. When chemical composition of two fish species collected from different sources was compared, the differences were substantial. Elevated levels of protein and lipid were observed in farmed fish, while lower in wild fish. Values were, however, other way round for moisture contents. Quantitative estimation of amino acid profile was proportional to the protein contents at species level, higher in farm raised grass c arp and lower in wild fish; contrarily, lipids were lower in farmed grass carp while higher in silver carp. In conclusion, grass carp showed significantly higher protein and lipid contents and lower moisture level than silver carp farmed fish is nutritionally better than wild irrespective of the species studied. Minor differences in protein and lipid levels, however, were observed when same nutrients were studied in different size groups.