The effect of Pediococcus pentosaceus as a probiotic on growth and immune factors of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

The effect of Pediococcus pentosaceus as a probiotic on the growth and immunological factors of the Siberian sturgeon, Acipencer baerii, was assessed. For this purpose, 180 fish specimens of 143.3±0.01 g body weight were randomly distributed in 12 fiberglass tanks (15 fish per tank) and fed with four diets containing 107, 108 and 109 bacterial cells per gram, respectively. The forth diet (control) contained no probiotics. Results showed significant improvement in FCR, PER, SGR and BWI in groups fed on diets containing probiotics compared to the control group. However, CF decreased in the probiotic- treated groups, though not significant. The result of immunological factors indicated increased lyzozyme activity, ACH50 and total igM. The best result from the assessment of immune factors was observed in the fish fed with 109 bacteial cell per gram of diet.