Effect of dietary nucleotide supplementation on growth performance, muscle proximate composition, and some serum biochemical compounds of stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus)

The effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation on growth performance, some serum biochemical parameters, and muscle proximate composition of 240 stellate sturgeons with an average weight of 206.03 g were evaluated during 52 days. Four levels of nucleotide (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg diet; T0-T3) were used in three replications. Body weight and length were measured on days 0, 26, and 52 of the experiment in order to evaluate growth performance. Some serum biochemical parameters and muscle proximate composition were also measured at the end of the experiment. The results showed that nucleotide supplementation influenced the growth performance and enhanced some serum biochemical compounds in stellate sturgeon. Body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate in 26th day were significantly higher in T2 than in T0. At the end of the experiment, these parameters were also higher in all treatments than in control group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the T1, T2, and T3 groups (p>0.05). The total serum protein and glucose levels were not significantly different (p>0.05) in T1-T3 than in T0 at the end of the experiment. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were higher in the T2 and T3 than in T0 (p<0.05). The results of comparing the mean percentage of protein, fat, moisture, and ash in muscle tissue showed no significant difference at the end of the experiment (p>0.05). Based on the results, using 2 g dietary nucleotide supplement per kg is recommended in the stellate sturgeon farming conditions.