Effect on growth performance of using hazelnut meal in Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) diet

In this study, the effects of the control diet (0%) and the diets containing hazelnut meal in different levels (15%, 30 and 45) on the growth performance and body composition of Siberian sturgeon were investigated. In the study, total 180 fish with mean weight 283.13±6.52 g were used. Each group had three replicate and 15 fish were placed in each replicate. Experiment was carried on for 12 weeks. In trial results, the highest weight gain (180.62%±2.84) was observed in the control group, and 15%, 30 and 45 hazelnut meal in followed this group as 159.03%±1.18, 144.72%±1.22 and 125.55%±0.89, respectively. As a result of values of the statistical analysis, the control group with the best proportional weight gain, specific growth ratio (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was similar to 15% but different with other groups (P<0.05). Hepatosomatic index (HSI), the difference between the control group and 45% hazelnut meal were seen to be statistically significant (P<0.05) and as a result of statistical analysis performed in terms of crude protein, crude fat and total energy, the control group was similar to 15% hazelnut meal group but different from other groups (P<0.05). Optimum dietary level of hazelnut meal for growth, feed conversion ratio, meat quality and body composition obtained from quadratic regression was 15%, but when economic aspects were considered, the optimum dietary level was 45% hazelnut meal. 2015, 58 pages Keywords: Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii, hazelnut meal, growth, feed conversion ratio, economic efficiency ratio, economic profit index