Unraveling the potential of marine invertebrates as a source of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for aquaculture

Trabajo presentado en Aquaculture Europe, celebrado en Rimini (Italia), del 27 al 30 de septiembre de 2022

Los invertebrados marinos como fuente de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga omega-3

Trabajo presentado en el XVIII Congreso Nacional de Acuicultura, celebrado en Cádiz (España) del 21 al 24 de octubre de 2022.[EN]: Certain marine invertebrates have some capacity to synthesize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), essential nutrients for animals. Such ability makes them as ideal candidates to apply principles of Circular Economy through which waste materials of low nutritional value can be used for the production of high value biomass that can be utilized as aquafeed ingredients. The molecular and functional characterization of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of LC-PUFA is a key step to establish the potential of aquatic invertebrates to apply the above strategy. Among its objectives, the IMPROMEGA project aims to explore the LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity of polychaetes and crustaceans like gammarids and copepods. The most relevant results are presented herein.[ES]: Algunos invertebrados marinos tienen la capacidad para la síntesis de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga, esenciales para los animales. Ello los convierte en candidatos ideales para aplicar los principios de la Economía Circular, a través del reciclaje de materiales de desecho de bajo valor nutricional, generando biomasa de alto valor nutritivo susceptible de ser utilizada en alimentación acuícola. La caracterización molecular y funcional de enzimas implicados en la síntesis de ácidos grasos es el primer paso para definir el potencial de los diferentes organismos como generadores netos de ácidos grasos esenciales. El proyecto IMPROMEGA contempla esta caracterización en poliquetos, así como crustáceos gamáridos y copépodos. Se presentan aquí los resultados más destacados.Proyecto IMPROMEGA RTI2018-095119-B-I00 financiado por MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ y por FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa

Últimos avances en el estudio de la biosíntesis de ácidos grasos omega-3 de cadena larga en invertebrados acuáticos

Trabajo presentado en el XVI Simposio Internacional de Nutrición Acuícola, celebrado en modalidad virtual del 29 de marzo al 01 de abril de 2022

Evaluation of the Effects of Two Different Feeding Frequencies on the Digestive Biochemistry of Two Mullet Species (<i>Chelon labrosus</i> and <i>Liza aurata</i>)

Mullets (Mugilidae) present significant potential for sustainable aquaculture diversification due to their eurythermal, euryhaline, and low-trophic nature. However, the physiological differences and optimal cultured conditions among the diverse mullet species are quite unknown. For these reasons, the present study aimed to address two main objectives: (1) to characterize the differences in digestive biochemistry, somatic indexes, and body composition between two mullet species (Liza aurata and Chelon labrosus); and (2) to evaluate the interactions of two different feeding frequencies (one against three meals per day) on the above-mentioned parameters, and also on the potential bioavailability of nutrients determined using in vitro assays. The results evidenced higher protease and amylase activities for Chelon labrosus than for Liza aurata, while the latter species presented a higher percentage of eviscerated weight and muscle lipids. Furthermore, the results from in vitro assays supported the higher enzyme activity of Chelon labrosus by an observed increase in the release of amino acids and reducing sugars measured for this species. Regarding feeding patterns, the results of the in vitro assays simulating enzyme: substrate (E:S) ratios corresponding to one or three meals per day point to a clear increase of nutrient bioavailability when the daily ration is split into several meals. The present results improve the physiological knowledge of mullet species and define criteria to develop better management protocols by producers