| Abstract | The macro and trace mineral composition of vertebrae and muscle in wild and cultured haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus was determined. Results indicated that haddock deposit c. 10% higher amounts of mineral than salmonids. Based on distribution between the analysed tissues as well as concentration differences, the minerals in wild and cultured haddock were divided into four categories: (1) As, Mn, Na, S and Zn concentration did not show any significant (P > 0·05) variation in both muscle and vertebrae; (2) Cr, Co, Mg, Mo and Si concentrations in wild and culture stocks muscle did not vary but vertebrae concentration showed significant differences (P < 0·05); (3) Ca and Cu concentration varied in muscle while remaining the same in vertebrae; (4) Al, Ba, Fe, P, K and Sr concentration showed a significant difference in both muscle and vertebrae. Vertebrae P content of cultured haddock was lower than that of wild fish whereas muscle P content was relatively high in cultured fish. Vertebrae and muscle Fe content of cultured haddock was significantly higher than in wild fish. The Mg, K, Co and Cr concentrations in vertebrae were significantly higher in wild haddock than in cultured fish, whereas Mo and Al levels were low. These differences in trace element composition of wild and cultured haddock were probably related to differences in food source and therefore the mineral composition of the diet. The nutritional significance of these findings is discussed. |
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