The effect of different HUFA
enrichment emulsions on the nutritional value of rotifers (Brachionus
plicatilis) fed to larval haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus).
J.
Castell, T. Blair, S. Neil, K. Howes, S. Mercer, J. Reid, W. Young-Lai, B.
Gullison, P. Dhert, P. Sorgeloos-2003
Aquaculture
International, 11
(1-2): 109-117
Abstract:
A feeding study was conducted in the winter 2001 to
determine the effects of feeding rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis)
enriched with various levels of essential fatty acids on the growth and
survival of haddock larvae (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). Rotifer
enrichment treatments were: 1) mixed algae, 2) high DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid, 22:6n-3), 3) high DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3), and 4)
DHA, EPA, and AA (arachidonic acid, 20:4n-6). Larvae were fed rotifers
enriched with the different treatments from days 1 to 16 post-hatch. From
day 17 until 25 all treatment groups were fed rotifers reared on mixed algae
and then weaned onto the International Council for Exploration of the SEA
(ICES) Standard Reference Weaning diet
(http://allserv.rug.ac.t/aquaculture/rend/rend.htm) over a five day period.
The experiment was terminated on day 41 post-hatch. The enrichment
treatments affected the fatty acid composition of the rotifers and
correlated with the accumulation of these fatty acids in the haddock larvae.
However, no significant differences in larval growth or survival to 40 days
post hatch were detected, suggesting that all treatments provided the
minimal essential fatty acid requirements for haddock.
(Fisheries and
Oceans Canada, Biological Station, 531 Brandy Cove Rd, St. Andrews, E5B 2L9,
Canada, e-mail: CastellJ@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca)