Effect of fish meal replacement with Aqupro (processed soybean meal) on growth performance and body composition of juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish meal replacement by Aqupro (processed soybean meal) on growth performance and body composition of juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). One hundred and five juveniles Siberian sturgeon (initial body weight 171.79±1.07 g; mean±SE) were distributed in five treatments each with three replictions. The experimintal diets, including different levels of Aqupro (20, 40, 60 and 80 percent) replaced with fish meal. During the 90 days feeding period, the fish were fed with the experimental diets to apparent satiation four times daily (9:00, 13:00, 17:00, 21:00). At the end of rearing period, growth performance and fish body composition were measured. The results showed there were no significant differencs in growth performance including final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, body weight increase, final length, condition factor, specific growth ratio, protein efficiency ratio, lipid efficiency ratio and survival rate with the control group (p >0.05). There were no significant differences in crude protein, crude fat, moisture and ash contents of the whole body among the groups (p >0.05). According to the results, due to the importance of fish meal and its high price, nutritional value of Aqupro and easy accessibility, best growth performance and no negative impact on mentioned parameters in AP60 and AP80 treatments, using of Aqupro up to 60% recommended in the Siberian sturgeon diet.