The combined effects of photoperiod and feeding time on growth performance of beluga sturgeon (Huso huso)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photoperiod and different feeding times on growth performance and feed efficiency of juvenile beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) for 56 days. One hundred and twenty fish with an average weight of 51.5 ± 0.4 g (mean ± SD) subjected to four different treatments with three replications which distributed in 12 circular concrete tanks under the treatments including: 1) natural photoperiod with feeding under light (Nd), 2) natural photoperiod with feeding under light-day (Nnd), 3) 24h lighting with feeding under light (Ld), and 4) 24h lighting with feeding under light-day (Lnd). Feeding times in natural photoperiod (12L: 12D) were considered at 6, 10, 14 and 17 and 2, 9, 14 and 21 in 24L. At the end of the period, growth performance and feed efficiency were calculated and the results showed no significant Interaction between photoperiod and feeding time among treatments (P>0.05), but the best performance was observed in Ld treatment. The results of this study represent an increase of 22 g in fish exposed to natural photoperiod with feeding under light and a more favorable FCR over the course of 8-week. Since using 24h lighting with feeding under light, growth performance and feed efficiency of juvenile beluga sturgeon was improved, so it is recommend to using this condition in juvenile beluga sturgeon farms.