Effects of the feeds containing hazelnut meal as plant protein source on growth performance and body composition of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) and economic profitability value

Abstract

In this study, the effects of feeding with the diets containing hazelnut meal (HM) at different levels (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%) on the growth performance and body composition of Siberian sturgeon were investigated. The study was carried out for 90 days with 3 replicates (n = 15; 283.1 ± 6.52 g fish weight). The highest weight gain (180.62 ± 2.84%) was observed in the control group followed by 15%, 30%, and 45% HM. When the groups were evaluated in terms of SGR, FCR, and PER, the control group was observed to have the best performance. The control group and the 15% HM group, which were statistically similar, were found to be different from the other groups (P < 0.05). The statistical difference between the control group and the 45% HM group of HSI values was significant (P < 0.05). CP, CF, and GE values were found to be similar in the control group and 15% HM groups and different from other groups (P < 0.05). Finally, it was concluded that adding 15% HM to the diet would positively affect fish growth in terms of growth performance, ECR, meat quality, and body composition, but considering the economic performance, it is determined that the rate of HM can be increased up to 45%.