Análise do efeito da suplementação de Spirulina na formação de ovas de pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM)

Abstract

Aquaculture has been consolidating as an alternative for fish production, highlighting the need to improve the dietary regimes to optimize fish growth and reproduction. In this context, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) has been widely studied as a nutritional supplement due to its high protein content and bioactive compounds that may enhance the health and reproductive performance of fish. Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas), a species of high economic importance in the Amazon, has reproductive difficulties in captivity, making the investigation of nutritional strategies to boost its reproduction essential. This study evaluates the effect of spirulina in supplementation on the formation of arapaima eggs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Oocyte samples from supplemented and non-supplemented females were analyzed to identify potential changes in the metabolic composition of the eggs. Compounds such as essential fatty acids (linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and heptadecanoic acid), cholesterol, myo-inositol, and glycerol metabolites were detected. The results of the chemometric analyses suggest that supplementation with spirulina promoted an increase in the variety of essential fatty acids in the eggs, especially during the vitellogenesis phase. The results of this study reinforce the importance of food supplementation in this type of cultivation and the inclusion of spirulina can contribute to improving the reproductive rates of pirarucu.