Fatty acid enrichment of rotifers [Brachionus plicatilis] using type-A gelatin solution

Rotifers Brachionus plicatilis have been enriched with fish oil emulsions generated in a type-A gelatin solution. In the enrichment periods of 4-24 h, lipid content of the rotifers increased from 11.6% to 15.3-19.7% (dry weight base). This increase accompanied that of triacylglycerols from 20.5% to 34.9-41.9% of total lipids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) also increased from 0.2 and 0.5% to 4.5-5.7 and 6.4-7.2% of total fatty acids, respectively. Type-A gelatin produced from porcine skin appears to be useful as an emulsifier for fatty acid enrichment of rotifers as well as type-B gelatin from bovine bones and skin.