Influence of different levels of dietary Arachidonic Acid Supplementation on growth parameters and survival of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as Arachidonic acid, ARA, C20:4 n-6) have unique roles in controlling and regulating growth performance, lipid metabolism, cell membrane fluidity, and immune function in fish. This research was conducted to produce higher quality and resistant zebrafish using arachidonic acid diet to achieve the best growth and survival rate. Five experimental groups were established and fed diets with different levels of ARA corresponding to 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2 and 4% of total fatty acid.  Zebrafish larvae (20-days post-fertilization) were fed ad libitum 5 times daily for 10 weeks. Both weight and length were recorded to determine growth indices. Although there were significant differences in general growth demographics (length/weight) after the 10-week feeding trial, no significant differences in the overall survival rate of Zebrafish. Increase in dietary Arachidonic acid (up to 2%), maximum final weight (0.38 ± 0/01 g), body weight gain (0.32±0/16), body weight gain percent (613.42 ± 28/44), daily growth rate (0.46 ± 0/02) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (2.24 ± 0/05) were higher than other treatments. The results show that ARA has a significant influence on the growth factors of Zebrafish.