The influence of feed supply time on the fatty acid profile of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on a diet enriched with n-3 fatty acids

The purpose of the study was to examine the fatty acid profiles of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted to different feeding times (0, 10, 20 and 30 days) on a diet enriched with n-3 fatty acids, by addition of flaxseed oil in substitution for sunflower oil. The main fatty acids detected were palmitic (C16:0), stearic (q18:0), oleic (C18:1n9), linoleic (C18:2n6) and alpha-linolenic (C18:30) in all the treatments. The 30 day-fed fish presented the best values for total n-3 fatty acids, with a prominence of alpha-linolenic acids, showing that the flaxseed oil as well as the feed supply time influenced the fatty acid profiles. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.