Effects of Different Commercial Feeds and Enrichments on Biochemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Rotifer (Brachionus Plicatilis, Muller 1786) and Artemia Franciscana

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of several commercial rotifer feeds and enrichments on growth, biochemical and fatty acid composition of L-type rotifer and Artemia franciscana nauplii. In experiment I, five experimental diets (M0 Plus, S. Parkle, w-3 Yeast 60, Beaker's yeast and Chlorella vulgaris) were tested for rotifer culture performance and in the second experiment six enrichers (w-3 Olio, n-3 Top Rich, Red Pepper, Culture Selco, microalgae mixture (Dunaliella salina + Chlorella vulgaris) and Emulsion T) were evaluated for the fatty acid composition of rotifer and Artemia franciscana. In experiment I, rotifers fed S. Parkle and Beaker's yeast showed better biomass production and egg density while the number of egg carrying female number was higher. In experiment II, rotifers enriched n-3 Top Rich showed better n-3 HUFA retention whereas Artemia franciscana nauplii enriched Red Pepper showed highest HUFA accumulation. Culture Selco seems optimal for artemia enrichment for EPA (20:5n-3) and DHA (22:6n-3) accumulation. In conclusion, Beaker's yeast is still applicable in comparison to other commercial feeds in rotifer culture. Further study is needed for determination of mineral composition of rotifer feeds and commercial enrichments and their retention in live prey and larvae use in Turkey.