A process is provided for growing microflora of the order Thraustochytriales
such
as Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, in fermentation medium
containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate.
In a preferred embodiment, the process produce, microflora having a cell aggregate
size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further
provided is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and
mixture thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, reapedeed, soybean and
avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain
omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. A method for increasing omega-3 highly
unsaturated fatty acid content of eggs by feeding a feed to poultry. The feed contains
the microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales having a omega-3 highly unsaturated
fatty acid content of more than 6.7 percent of total cell dry weight. The microorganisms
include strains of Schizochytrium and Thraustochytrium such as ATCC No.(s) 20888
and 20889, and ATCC No.(s) 20890, 20891 and 20892, respectively. Also provided
are eggs containing an increased amount of these fatty acids.