Comparative study of the biochemical composition of Dendrocephalus brasiliensis (Anostraca) and other zooplankton fed different microalgal species

• Grant number: 12/19137-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2013
• End date: June 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Maria da Graça Gama Melão
• Grantee: Daniela Correia de Melo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Anostraca Dendrocephalus brasiliensis, popularly known as branconeta, is a potent generalist filter feeder, and the phytoplankton has a predominant role in your diet. Due to its size and high filtration capacity, this crustacean has a high potential for use in aquaculture, especially as live food in larviculture and possibly removal of industrial effluents, in this case, an important alternative for the remediation of polluted environments. In this sense, the present project aims to study, in a comparative way, the biochemical composition of this Anostraca and other species of microcrustaceans fed with different microalgal species. With this, we intend to evaluate the nutritional value of branconeta compared to other zooplankton species commonly used in aquaculture, besides contributing to the establishment of a proper diet for the nutritional requirements of this organism, which facilitates its cultivation under controlled conditions for several purposes.(AU)