Fatty acids composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed diets containing different levels of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)

Abstract

Fish is a major source of n-3 LC-PUFA for humans. Fatty acids especially n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important role in human health. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different inclusion levels of Ipomoea aquatica on fatty acids composition of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Five diets containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% Ipomoea aquatica were formulated. The results indicated that 18 types of fatty acids with different saturation levels were detected. Total saturates, n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs in all the tissues were not significantly affected by the different levels of I. aquatica . Fish fed 10% diet recorded the highest level of muscle docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The tissue composition of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was significantly higher than eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). There was an increase in PUFAs with increased levels of I. aquatica . There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in fatty acids in all the tissues. The study suggests that 20% dietary inclusion of I. aquatica resulted into high DHA in all tissues thus I. aquatica can be used to increase fatty acid. • Polyunsaturated fatty acids increased with higher inclusion of Ipomoea aquatica . • Stearic and palmitic were the dominant saturated fatty acids in all fish tissues. • Muscles recorded highest Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid. • Ipomoea aquatica inclusion in fish diet enhanced n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. • Ipomoea aquatica is potential fish feed ingredient with human nutritional benefits.