Comparison of reproductive output, offspring quality, ovarian histology and fatty acid composition between similarly-sized wild and domesticated Farfantepenaeus paulensis

The reproductive performance of similarly-sized wild-caught (W) and domesticated (D) Farfantepenaeus paulensis broodstock (mean weight of 46 g for females and 29 g for males) was assessed over 30 days under standardized conditions. Wild broodstock were collected from a population off the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The domesticated shrimp were first generation lines originated from the same population as the wild broodstock and were reared to 16 months of age in covered raceway tanks. Reproductive performance (e.g. data from successive spawnings) and offspring quality (egg diameter, length and survival of nauplii and protozoea stages) were recorded. Mature ovaries were sampled for the evaluation of gonadosomatic index (GSI), histological characteristics and fatty acid content. The GSI and ovarian histology indicated that full maturation was attained by both groups, but domesticated females showed a higher percentage of mature oocytes (mean ± standard deviation) (W = 25.9 ± 7.4%; D = 35.5 ± 14.2%). Spawning performance and offspring quality were similar between wild and domesticated broodstock. Although a significantly higher number of eggs per spawning event (W = 184,371 ± 89,011; D = 147,426 ± 79,348) were observed for wild females, the total number of eggs per female (W = 529,065 ± 324,412; D = 421,587 ± 257,677), egg fertilization (W = 75.8 ± 28.8%; D = 69.8 ± 27.9%) and hatching rates (W = 52.3 ± 35.0%; D = 64.1 ± 15.7%) were similar between the two broodstock sources. Ovaries of wild females contained significantly higher levels of n−3 highly unsaturated fatty acids and, as these females produced comparatively more eggs per spawning event, it suggests that these fatty acids may have a role on ovarian development and fecundity. Overall results suggest that the reproductive performance, offspring quality, and ovarian maturation of 16-month-old domesticated F. paulensis broodstock were equivalent to that of similarly-sized wild-caught broodstock from deep-sea waters.