Enrichment of Artemia franciscana with soybean-lecithin and its beneficial effect on biochemical composition of broodstocks and fatty acids composition of eggs in Cichlid Green Terror (Aequidens rivulatus)

Abstract

Abstract In the current study, the performance of soybean lecithin-enriched adult Artemia franciscana and its beneficial effects as a replacement for commercial diet were evaluated by determining the biochemical and fatty acid composition of broodstocks and eggs of green terror cichlid (Aequidens rivulatus) for 90 days. Eight hundred and ten fish (3.1 ± 0.2 g) were randomly allotted into glass aquaria (80 L) and assigned to ten dietary treatments at five different replacement levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of the commercial diet (CD) with either un-enriched Artemia (UA) or lecithin-enriched Artemia (EA). Based on the results, enrichment of Adult Artemia with soy lecithin increased body lipid content in 25% EN, 50% EN and 75% EN treatments, although there was no significant difference between dry matter, crude protein and ash between the diet groups (P < 0.05). The highest level of total polar lipid (18.26%) was observed in broodstocks of Green Terror fed 50CD: 50EA. Based on fatty acid composition, the highest amount of saturated fatty acids of broodstocks of Green Terror was revealed in 75CD: 25UA and 50CD: 50UA treatments. The lowest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids was observed in the 50CD: 50EA treatment. The highest amount of DHA (17.81%) was observed in 25CD: 75EAtreatment. The fatty acid analysis of eggs showed significantly higher SFA and lower MUFA in 75CD: 25EA treatment. Furthermore, the PUFA and DHA level exhibit significantly higher in 50CD: 50EA treatment. In conclusion, the 50CD: 50EA diet improved the lipid and fatty acid composition of Green Terror cichlid fish and therefore, this feeding strategy can be recommended in upgrading the nutritional management of this species.