Is the Nutritional Composition of Safflower Oilseed Meal Sufficient for Alternative or Complementary Aqua Feeds-raw Material? Send mail to Yildirim Ö.;

Abstract

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is grown in many countries, even in arid regions. Due to its important nutrients, safflower has the potential to be used as raw material for the nutrition of many animals and aquaculture species. For this reason, the objective of this study is to determine crude protein, crude oil, ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) values, as well as amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral values in safflower seed meal. In addition, fish meal, soybean meal, wheat, and canola meal values are compared with safflower seed. On a dry matter basis, the crude protein, crude oil, crude ash, and NFE values were found at 19.42% ±0.32, 8.76% ±0.21, 2.82% ±0.1, and 62.68% ±0.88 respectively. Safflower meal contains significant arginine, histidine, and phenylalanine levels, with C18:2 n-6 being one of the most abundant fatty acids. According to the fatty acid values examined, the total saturated fatty acid values were to be 9.79%; the total monounsaturated fatty acid values are 27.58%; total n-6 PUFA values are 61.49%; total n-3 fatty acid values are 0.55% and total n-3 HUFA values are 0.22% in safflower oilseed meal. The potassium and magnesium content in safflower seed meal is similar to that of soybean meal and fishmeal. Safflower oilseed meal or oil can be used as complementary feedstuff in both marine and freshwater fish feeds. In future studies, observing the balance of essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids and conducting detailed studies will be effective in closing the gap in this area.