Kumlu, MetinBeksari, AsumanYilmaz, Hatice AsumanSariipek, MerveKinay, EnesTurchini, Giovanni M.Eroldogan, Orhan Tufan2025-03-232025-03-2320211303-27122149-181Xhttps://doi.org/10.4194/1303-2712-v21_7_03https://hdl.handle.net/11486/4585This study assessed the potential of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) enrichment in red earthworm (Eisenia fetida, REW), via the addition of fish oil (FO, anchovy oil) to the culture-compost. FO addition to compost was tested at graded inclusion doses (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/100 g compost) and for different time-periods, up to 96 h. Dose, time, as well as dose and time interactions of FO compost enrichment had significant effects on all fatty acids of earthworm bodies. The enrichment with 10 g FO/100 g compost sharply increased DHA levels of the worms (14.01 mol%) within just 24 h, compared to the control group (0.92 mol%). Similar increases (ranging between 10.99 and 15.55 mol%) occurred only after 48 and 96 h in lower FO enrichment levels (2.5 and 5.0 g/100 g compost, respectively). Therefore, it was concluded that, to obtain maximum n-3 LC-PUFA enrichment efficiency in REW, an enrichment period of 24 h is ideal and recommended for the 10 g FO/100 g compost, whereas longer enrichment periods (48-96 h) are more suitable for lower levels of FO inclusions (2.5 or 5 g/100 g compost).eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessFish oilDHA22:6n-3n-3 LC-PUFAEisenia fetidaBroodstock dietArticle21733334610.4194/1303-2712-v21_7_032-s2.0-85107801394Q2WOS:000647616900003Q3