THE EFFECTS OF THE MASOU SALMON DELTA5-DESATURASE TRANSGENE ON N-3 FATTY ACID PRODUCTION IN COMMON CARP Cyprinus carpio AND CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus

William S. Bugg*, Karim Khalil, Melissa Boersma, Chia Chen Weng Chen, Sammi Bustos, Sheng Dong, and Rex Dunham
Catfish Genetics Laboratory
Auburn University  
Auburn, Alabama 36830

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the masou salmon delta5-desaturase transgene driven by a beta-actin promoter for improving N-3 fatty acid production in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, and channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. F2 generation common carp and F1 generation channel catfish were spawned from confirmed transgenic parents. Muscle samples were taken from these progeny and lipid extraction was performed. Barbel samples were tested as well to determine their effectiveness for observation of lipid profiles. Quantification of N-3 fatty acid levels was done through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. N-3 fatty acid production was higher in transgenic individuals than in controls.