Biotransformation of carotinoids during gonad maturation of Artemia

摘要

The use of bioactive substances as nutritional additives to improve the yields of cultivated organisms is a topic that has received little attention. The feeding of crustaceans in captivity is limited to artificial diets devoid of bioactive metabolites considered important for the growth and survival of organisms in captivity. The limitation or deficiency of these metabolites and/or their precursors leads to nutritional imbalances, physiological alterations and diseases (Harrison 1990, Scott 1999).Few studies have analyzed carotenoid pigments in the diet of crustaceans as precursors of specific bioactive components in the species of culture that use Artemia for food. Commonly, the functions of carotenoids in crustaceans have been related to pigmentation, antioxidants functions, and, in a few studies, as a source of pro-vitamin A (Meyers and Latscha 1997, Miki 1991, Miki et al. 1994). Evidence suggests that the carotenoid pigments have vital functions in the nutrition of crustaceans.