The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dietary value of the rotifer Brachinus plicatilis as a live feed, through its levels of ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), its 2-thio-bazbituric acid (TBA) values, and its α-tocapherol content. Samples of rotifer were frozen and stored at -15°C for up to 120 days.
The amount of ω3-PUFA in the total lipid of the frozen rotifers remained unchanged during the first 90 days of storage, but decreased by 120 days of storage. TBA values were less than 0.5 for up to 90 days and then rose to 1.0 at 120 days. The α-tocopherol levels decreased during frozen storage until they were 0.5 times the initial level at 120 days. There was a nega-five relationship between TBA values and α-tocopherol levels.
The results suggested that α-tocopherol functions as an antioxidant and that the dietary value of the frozen rotifers does not decrease for at least 90 days. ω3-PUFA in frozen rotifers stored more than 90 days may be susceptible to lipid oxidation. This might cause losses in their dietary value.