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Fatty acid composition of different tissues in captive-reared and wild crocodilians – potential impact on human health

The aim of this study was to emphasize the consequence of feed choice as well as securing the availability of natural feeds for crocodilians. Lipids are necessary elements in the diet, both for the provision of energy and for the supply of essential fatty acids (FA). Trough different biological activities FAs affect health, reproduction, and they are important as the risk factors for developing of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The commercial exploitation of wild crocodilian is well-known in some countries. A large number of farms are rearing alligators and crocodiles for skin and meat products. The fatty acid composition between the captive and wild crocodilians differs substantially, with especially important difference in contents of FAs that derive from dietary essential FAs (20:5n-3, C22:6n-3) which cannot be synthesized in the human body and are required for maintaining good health. For captive-rearing crocodilians choice of food is of a great importance since animals fed fish diet contained more C22:6n-3 and 20:5n-3 than animals fed beef diet. Crocodilians meat compares favourably with that of more traditional species such as beef and chicken. Considering the world's rising interest regarding crocodilian food products and importance of dietary fatty acids for human health, more attention should be directed to FAs composition of crocodilians meat, feed composition and feeding regimes.

fatty acid composition, crocodilians, essential fatty acids, health risk

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