Abstract

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the fatty acid, mineral and vitamin compositions of a marine red alga Laurencia papillosa collected from the South East Coast of India in order to assess its nutritional quality to use it as animal feed. Crude lipid was extracted and the fatty acid compositions were evaluated by Gas chromatography. Ash content was estimated by incinerating the alga in muffle furnace and the mineral compositions were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Vitamin compositions were evaluated using the HPLC system. The outcomes demonstrate that Laurencia papillosa contained nine fatty acids ranged from 0.18 ± 0.04 to 9.51 ± 0.19 (mg/g DW). Unsaturated fatty acid contained around 45% and saturated fatty acids constituted 55% of the total fatty acids. Among unsaturated fatty acid, the level of PUFAs was observed to be 39.25%. Macro mineral contents were in the order of Na> Mg> C> K and trace elements were in the order of Zn> Fe> Cu. Further, Laurencia papillosa contained seven vitamins, of which vitamin-C was observed to be higher in content. The potential nutritional values of Laurencia papillosa were found in the present evaluation confirm its sustenance value for animals including humans in terms of nutrients. Key words: Fatty acids, Vitamins, Minerals, Marine red alga, Laurencia papillosa

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