Effects of feed on fatty acid composition in muscles and gonads of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

In this study, the effects of different feeds on fatty acid composition in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) were investigated. The fatty acid composition in the Chinese mitten crab was significantly correlated with the type of feed source provided. Differences between the feed groups pertained mainly five fatty acids: oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The content of EPA and DHA was higher in the group of frozen trash fish than in the group of formulated feed. On the other hand, the content of oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid was higher in the formulated feed group than in the frozen trash fish group. There were significant differences in the nutritional value of the Chinese mitten crab reared under different feed sources, i.e. Chinese mitten crabs reared with the frozen trash fish feed were larger than those reared with the formulated feed, especially as regards the ω-3/ω-6 PUFA ratio and essential fatty acid levels.