Effects of commercial enrichment products on fatty acid components of rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis

This study was undertaken to test the effects of enrichment products. Red pepper paste (ZA), AlgaMac 3050 (ZB) and Spresso (ZC) on fatty acid compositions in rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) which were intensively cultured on a mixture of omega 3 algae and omega 3 yeast. Enriched rotifers were seen to have higher level of unsaturated fatty acids of linoleic acid (LOA) and total n-6 unsaturated fatty acid ratios than all other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) in rotifers groups of ZB and ZC were different from all the remaining groups (p < 0.05), but it was high in starved rotifers. The levels of docosapentaenoic acid (n-6 DPA) and total n-3 multiple unsaturated fatty acids, the level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the ratio of n-3/n-6 in enriched rotifers groups were higher (p < 0.05). The level of alpha-linolenic (alpha LNA) in ZA rotifer group was lower than other rotifer groups (p < 0.05) and the amount of eicosadienoic acid (EPA) was the same for all groups. Highest ratios of n-6DPA/ARA, DHA/EPA and DHA/ARA were obtained from ZC rotifer group (p < 0.05). Similar ratios of DHA/n-6DPA were observed for all groups (p > 0.05). The ratio of n-6DPA/ARA was different between the groups of ZA and ZC (p < 0.05). Significant differences between ZA, ZB and ZC rotifer groups were observed in the ratio of n-3/n-6, DHA/EPA, DHA/ARA and n-6DPA. The differences in EPA/ARA ratios between ZB and ZC rotifer groups were significant from other groups (p < 0.05). It can be suggested that the enrichment of rotifers by available commercial products lead to significant and important changes in fatty acid profiles which are of high concern in the quality of nutrient supply for improved productivity.