Determination of growth performance and body chemical composition of european sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) fed with the diet including different levels of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L) leaf extract

In this study, the effects of diets including different levels artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g/kg diet; G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5 respectively) on growth performance and body composition of sea bass fingerlings (Dicentrarchus labrax L, 1758) were inverstigated. For this purpose, the sea basses that average body weight were 23±1,35 g were stocked in 15 tanks (450 L) as triplicate groups and experiment lasted for 75 days. According to the experimental data that average water temperature was 13.8±0.50°C, the last live weight (LLW), Daily Growth Rate (DGR) and Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) of fifth group (G5) were better than the other groups. At the end of the experiment, content of whole-body protein, dry matter and fat levels were different statistically between the groups, protein levels of experimental groups were higher than the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore protein values in fish muscle were higher than the initial values. Hepato somatic index (HSI) were different among the groups (p<0.05), the lowest level was observed in individuals of the fourth group (G4). The lowest Visceral somatic index occured in G5 and the Total fat (TY) was the lowest in fourth group (G4). As a consequence, use of high levels of (3, 4, g/kg) artichoke leaf extract in entansive aquaculture systems and in low temperature conditions can be recommended.