ALBERT

Description: The effects of dietary protein levels were investigated on growth, carcass biochemical composition and apparent digestibility coefficient in Caspian trout, Salmo trutta caspius. The present study was carried out in a completely randomized design with five experimental diets containing five different dietary levels of protein: 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55%, and 15 fish per replication of each with an initial weight of 4.85 ± 0.45 g for 105 days. Average oxygen concentration and water temperature were 7.6 ± 0.68 mg L-1 and 17.7 ± 1.5 °C, respectively, throughout the experimental period. Significantly higher final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and condition factor were observed in the fish fed diet with 40 and 45% protein compared to those fed on the 35 and 55 % protein diets. Feed efficiency ratio in treatments fed 35 and 55 % protein were significantly higher than those of fish fed 40 and 45% dietary protein levels (P≤ 0.05). Crude protein content increased with the increasing dietary protein levels, whereas crude lipid and moisture composition decreased with the increasing dietary protein levels. Therefore, it can be cocluded that increased levels of protein in the diets for juvenile Caspian trout (Salmo trutta caspius) up to 40 and 45% improved growth performance, feed utilization parameter and economic aspect.

Description: Published

Description: In order to introduce a new sturgeon hybrid to aquaculture industry, the possibility of hybrid production by crossing between Siberian and Persian sturgeons and its comparison with its pure parents using morphometric, molecular, cytogenetic and growth performance were conducted. For this purposes eggs and sperms of two pairs of Persian and Siberian sturgeon were collected and reciprocal crosses with 4 treatments were conducted. In treatment 1, Persian sturgeon as control (male and female of Persian sturgeon), treatment 2 (as type I hybrid) from crosses of male Persian sturgeon with eggs of female Siberian sturgeon in treatment 3 (type II hybrid) using crosses between male Siberian sturgeon and female Persian sturgeon and finally treatment 4 by crossing male and female of Siberian sturgeon were used. For each treatment 200 gr. of eggs were fertilized with one ml. of sperm and morphological, meristic parameters of parents and offspring were recorded. For growth comparison of fingerlings of control and hybrids in 3 different phases were measured. In phase (I), larvae rearing from 46 mg. up to 6600 mg. were conducted for a period of 10 weeks. Samples were collected once every two weeks and biological parameters were recorded. In rearing phase II for a period of 330 days, growth comparison were conducted for fish from 6.5 gr. to 750gr. and biological parameter were recorded once every month, where daily growth rate (gr./day), FCR, Specific growth coefficient (percentage per day), increase of body weight, food efficiency and protein efficiency ration were analyzed. In rearing phase (III), from 600 gr. to 2000 gr. for a period of 43 weeks, similar to phase (II) all biological parameters were analyzed, where 26 morphometric and meristic parameters of pure and hybrid parents and offspring were compared both for individual and ratio status of parameters. For genetic analysis and variation between control and hybrid specimens the microsatellite analysis were conducted. For this purposes, genomic DNA were extracted from fin tissues of brood stocks and fingerlings and 10 pairs of specific primers (Afug 56, Afug 63, Afug 241, Afug 229, OX 27, Afug 686, Afug 195, Afug 12, IS 68 and Afug 160) were used. Then PCR Products were electrophoresed on 6% polyacrylamide gel and then were stained with Nitrate silver and alleles were evaluated based on its length (base pair). Cytogenetic analysis and number of chromosome of control fish and hybrid were compared using white blood cell culture method and chromosome spread of parents as well as offspring were prepared by Gimsa staining and were visualized under light microscope. For sexual gonad development, laparoscopic method with light camera (Model M-CAM 1700) were used to differentiate 34 pieces of control and hybrid fish and gonad status of ovary and testis were analyzed. In present investigation the results indicate that, in phase (I) of larvae culture, a significant differences were observed after 10 weeks of feeding (p≤ 0.05) in hybrid and control groups. Maximum growth rate were observed in Siberian sturgeon larvae, followed by type I hybrid, type II hybrid and Persian sturgeon larvae. In phase (II) , growth rate of Persian sturgeon were lower than Siberian sturgeon. For period of 330 days of rearing periods, the control Siberian sturgeon had 1.4gr. weight increment per day, while Persian sturgeon had only1. gr./day. However the hybrid type (I) had an average daily growth of 1.5gr/day and lower growth performance were observed in type II hybrid with daily growth of 1.5 gr./day. In phase (III), growth rates were varied at different age group. The daily growth rate of Siberian sturgeon was 4.5gr/day, while is control Persian sturgeon was 2.6 gr/day. The Siberian sturgeon within 47 weeks of rearing grown from 655 gr. to 2016 gr., however Persian sturgeon for the same period reached from Siberian sturgeon with male’s Persian sturgeon had higher type II hybrid showed opposite results for the same growing period and reached from 640 gr. to 1680 gr. In conclusion of growth performance can be stated that the hybrid from crosses between female Siberian sturgeon with male Persian sturgeon presented highest growth rate in comparison to control hybrid. This excellent achievement can be considered as a big step toward sturgeon aquaculture for meat and Caviar production. In analysis of morphometric characters 26 parameters were investigated which in 18 parameters showed significant differences (p≤ 0.05) which indicate clear distinguish able of hybrid performance in compare with parents where Siberian sturgeon has longer snout compare to Persian sturgeon and its size are intermediate in hybrids. In relative ratio of characters, out of 9 characters totally 7 characters showed significant differences (p≤ 0.05). In molecular analysis using microsatellite primers totally 400 DNA samples of hybrid as well as the control fish were investigated. Totally 784 allele were detected in which 363 alleles were belong to control fish and 421 alleles in hybrid. In this study, 19 alleles with different sizes were observed in hybrids rang from (120bp) in Aox27 primers (400bp) in AFUG229 primers. In comparing of all primers, the primer AFUG160 and AFUG195 with 2 alleles and primer AFUG686 with 7 alleles showed the minimum and maximum allele numbers.The banding patterns were monomorphic in 66 loci of control fish and 65 loci of hybrids, and in 77 loci of control fish and 73 loci of hybrids were diploid in 9 loci of control fish and 12 loci of hybrid fish were tetraploid, in one locus of control samples and 3 hybrid samples were pentaploid and finally within 10 pairs of primers 7 sets were disomic, 3 primers (Afug241, Afug686, Aox27) were tetraploid and 6 primers of (Afug63, Aox27, Afug688, Afug12, Is68, Afug160) showed excellent allele heritability which indicate the high efficiency of microsatellite techniques. In evaluation of the status of gonad development as well as determination of sexual stages laprascopic method indicated that out of 9 samples of Persian sturgeon (4 females and 5 male) were in stage of 2 & 3 gonad development. Out of 8 Siberian sturgeon (4 males+4 females) stage 2, 3, 4 were detected. In 7 gonad samples of hybrid (Female Persian and Male Siberian) totally 5 male and 2 female were observed at stage 3 and 4 gonad development. In analysis of 10 samples of type II hybrid (female Siberian × male Persian) 3 female, 6 males and 1 deformetic were observed. Cytological studies on 30 metaphase palate from 6 fish samples showed that the number of chromosome in hybrid are as same as parents 2n=250±10 where all control and hybrids similar to its parents showed 240 chromosome. In conclusion, It can stated that, this study successfully introduced a new sturgeon hybrid for sturgeon farming both for meat and caviar production. Considering the common name of sturgeon parents used for production this hybrid, we call this hybrid as (Siper) where Si instant for Siberian sturgeon and Per comes from Persian sturgeon.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The effects of feeding frequency on growth rate, food conversion ratio (FCR) and survival in juvenile beluga sturgeon were studied through two phases of rearing. 360 beluga fingerlings with an average weight of 20.51 ±0.33g were reared through a period of 60 days in the first phase and about 180 fingerlings with an average weight of 77.55±1.18g were reared through a period of 95 days in the second phase in fiberglass tanks (500 L) with a water flow rate of 0.2 L/sec under similar conditions of rearing (dissolved oxygen, light, water velocity, etc.). Three different feeding frequencies were used for each phase (3, 5 and 8 times feeding per day) with three replicates. It was evident from the results obtained from the first experimental phase that with an increase in feeding frequency there was an increase in growth rate, weight increase percentage and specific growth rate as well as a decrease in FCR value. However no significant differences were observed in the three group,) studied (P 〉0.05). Whereas in the second phase of study significant differences (P〈0.05) were observed in the parameters studied (length, weight and FCR) in the third study group (with 8 times feeding per day) at the end of study period. We may therefore conclude that growth rate, nutritional uptake and social behavior of each fish species are dependent on its feeding frequency.

Description: Published

Description: A feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of dietary supplementation of lysine and methionine on growth, nutrient utilization and carcass compositions in beluga, Huso huso. Four experimental soy protein based diets D0 (without lysine or methionine supplementation), D1 (lysine supplementation alone), D2 (methionine supplementation alone) and D3 (both lysine and methionine supplementation) were fed to triplicate groups. 240 fish with average weight of 144.6 ± 4.64 g were fed the experimental diets for 12wk. L-Lysine and DL-methionine were added to the diets containing 344 g kg-1 soybean meals at 22.02 and 12.94 g kg-1 of dry diet respectively. Significant higher weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, condition factor, feed efficiency ratio, whole muscle protein and protein apparent digestibility were observed in fish fed soya protein-based diet supplemented with both lysine and methionine than that of fish of other dietary groups. There were no significant differences among fish fed diet supplemented with either methionine or lysine. Growth performances, feed utilization, carcass composition and apparent digestibility coefficients of protein, lipid and dry matter of fish fed control diet was significantly lower than those of fish fed diet supplemented both lysine and methionine and supplemented with either methionine or lysine. It can be concluded that beluga, fingerlings effectively utilize the supplemental amino acids (L-Lysine at 22.02 g kg-1 dry diet and DL-methionine at 12.94 g kg-1 dry diet) in the diets containing 344 g kg-1 soybean meals for better carcass proximate compositions, growth performance and feed efficiency and utilization.

Description: Published

Description: Reciprocal crosses betvveen Beluga and Persian Sturgeon in four treatments and three replications were conducted and reproduction metrics including number of eggs per gram, percentage of fertilization, and survival rate were assessed. Also, we measured 32 morphomeiric and meristic attributes of brood stocks, hybrids and controls. To compare the growth rate of hybrids and controls, fingerlings were grown for 18 months in 2000 liter fiberglass tanks and fed by pellets. During rearing period, 17 samples were taken in 15-30 days interval and total weight and length of the specimens were measured. Average weight and length, standard deviation, analysis of variance, Duncan test and Heterosis were calculated. We found a significant difference (13〈0.003) between numbers of eggs of Beluga (controls) in comparison with hybrid (6Beluga x Persian sturgeon) and between Persian sturgeon's eggs with hybrids (Y Beluga x dPersian sturgeon). However, no significant differences were found (1)?0.001) between controls and treatments in terms of fertilization rate (in stage 4 and 35), number and mortality rate of larvae during active feeding and final stages. Hybrid and control fingerlings showed different growth performances. After an 18 months rearing period, the highest growth was found in Beluga (975±10 grams), with hybrid of female i al Beluga and male Persian sturgeon coming next (840±143 grams), hybrid of male Beluga with female Persian sturgeon being the third (681.152$1 grams). The slowest growth rate was seen in control Persian sturgeon with an average growth of 535.15±131 grams. Daily growth rate of hybrids produced from crossing of female Beluga with male Persian sturgeon was higher than control Beluga during second and third rearing period each taking six months. We observed significant differences (p〈0.05) in 31 morphometric and meristic parameters from a total of 32 attributes. The percentage of heterosis was variable, being -73.76 in early growth period and 0.79 at the final rearing stage with an average heterosis of -32.69. The hybrid produced from female Beluga and male Persian Sturgeon showed a very good o growth performance. However, with the inadequacy of female Beluga in the Caspian Sea and the priority of restocking Beluga, it is suggested that the hybrid production be conducted using male • Beluga and female Persian Sturgeon.

Description: Published

Description: Juvenile Huso huso with average weight of 28.76±0.35 were reared in fiberglass tanks and earthen ponds for 29 weeks in order to examine potential of rearing of the fish for meat production purposes. Fish in fiberglass tanks showed weight increase up to 584.17 grams in 200 days and produced 6 kg of biomass per liter. Survival ratio, food conversion ratio and specific growth rate were measured as 98.4%, 2.21 and 1.41 (% per day) for the fish respectively. During the experiment period, H. huso reared in the earthen ponds reached a weight of 708 grams and produced 1.5 kg of biomass per liter. The survival rate, food conversion ratio and specific growth rate for the fish cultured in the earthen ponds were 85.7%, and 1.32 and 1.69 (% per day). Based on the results, the fiberglass tanks provided better growth condition in the beginning of the experiment. However, in later stages of rearing the trend was reversed and fish reared in earthen ponds showed more suitable condition although no statistically significant differences between treatments were found (p〉0.05). Growth pattern of fish was highly influenced by rearing condition (p〈0.05). Compared to the fish weight in fiberglass tanks (584.17 gr), H. huso weight in earthen pond (708 gr) improved a lot especially after adaptation to concentrated food (p〈0.05).

Description: Published

Description: In order to evaluate the possible production of hybrids using two species of sturgeon; beluga (Huso huso) and Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) a reciprocal crosses with three treatments and three replicates for each treatment was conducted. Reproduction normatives including number of eggs per gram, fertilization rate, survival rate, and also 32 mophmetric and merestic parameters of parents, hybrids and control groups were compared. Genetic analysis of hybrid was conducted using two methods of cytogenetic (chromosome preparation) and molecular (microsatellite) techniques. Histological analysis was performed for sexual gonad development. The growth comparison between hybrids and control fish was conducted in fiberglass tanks for 18 months. Fish were fed using pellets and biometric measurements were carried out 17 times during the study period. Means, analysis of variance, standard deviation, Duncan s test and percentage of hetrosis were calculated using Quatro Pro and SPSS programs. Significant differences were detected between beluga controls and hybrids (male beluga x female A. persicus) and between A. persicus controls and hybrids (male beluga x female A. persicus) regarding number of eggs per gram (P 0.003). However no significant differences were detected between the control groups and hybrids regarding fertilization rate at the four celled and 35 celled stages, number of larvae produced, mortality rate up to the onset of exogenous feeding and the number of larvae surviving (P 0.01). Growth rates differed in hybrid fish and fish in the control groups and highest weight increase at the end of the rearing period belonged to beluga control (975 ± 10 g) followed by hybrids produced by crossing female beluga with male A. persicus (840 ± 143 g), hybrids produced by crossing female A. persicus with male beluga (681.85 ± 281 g) and lowest growth increases belonged to the A. persicus control group (535.15 ± 131 g). Specific growth rate in the second and third six months of rearing in hybrids produced by crossing female beluga with male A. persicus was higher than those recorded in the beluga control group. Percentage of hetrosis was negative during the early rearing period (-18.93), however at the end of the rearing period offspring were superior to parents and percentage of hetrosis was 0.79. Comparison of 32 morphologic and merestic parameters showed significant differences between 23 parameters between beluga controls and hybrids and between 31 parameters between A. persicus controls and hybrids (P 0.05). The hybrids production was proved using the cytogenetic (chromosomal count) as well as microsatellite techniques. The number of chromosomes in hybrids was intermediate to the parents (2n =190 ± 9) and like all other sturgeon species, microchromosomes comprised more than 50% of the chromosomes. The chromosome number in hybrids was half the number of chromosomes in the parents (A. persicus 2n=258±4 and beluga 2n=118±3). With regard to the fact that the number of chromosomes in A. persicus is 4N and that in beluga is 2N the number of chromosomes in hybrids is 3N or triploid. DNA bands produced by PCR in parents and offspring showed genetic inheritance. Histological analysis of control fish and hybrids after 18 months of rearing showed that male and female cells were observed in hybrids that is a characteristic feature of impotent or sterile fish. However only one type of sexual cells were observed in fishes in the control groups (A. persicus and beluga). Results obtained from the present study show that the hybrids produced are triploid (3N) and histologically sterile. Also hybrids produced showed good growth. With regard to the scarcity of female beluga and the limitation in the production of beluga fingerlings, it is suggested that sturgeon hatcheries produce hybrids and thus meet the fingerling demands of sturgeon farms. Also considering that the hybrids produced are sterile they can be considered as a candidate for export for aquarium fish. With regard to the fact that the hybrids produced are a new species it is suggested that this species is named Belupars which is a taken from the names of the two parents Beluga and Persicus .

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: Reciprocal crosses between Beluga and Persian Sturgeon in four treatments and three replications were conducted and reproduction metrics including number of eggs per gram, percentage of fertilization, and survival rate were assessed. Also, we measured 32 morphometric and meristic attributes of brood stocks, hybrids and controls. To compare the growth rate of hybrids and controls, fingerlings were grown for 18 months in 2000 liter fiberglass tanks and fed by pellets. During rearing period, 17 samples were taken in 15-30 days interval and total weight and length of the specimens were measured. Average weight and length, standard deviation, analysis of variance, Duncan test and Heterosis were calculated. We found a significant difference (P≤0.003) between numbers of eggs of Beluga (controls) in comparison with hybrid (♂Beluga x ♀Persian sturgeon) and between Persian sturgeon's eggs with hybrids (♀Beluga x ♂Persian sturgeon). However, no significant differences were found (P≥.001) between controls and treatments in terms of fertilization rate (in stage 4 and 35), number and mortality rate of larvae during active feeding and final stages. Hybrid and control fingerlings showed different growth performances. After an 18 months rearing period, the highest growth was found in Beluga (975±10 grams), with hybrid of female Beluga and male Persian sturgeon coming next (840±143 grams), hybrid of male Beluga with female Persian sturgeon being the third (681.15±281 grams). The slowest growth rate was seen in control Persian sturgeon with an average growth of 535.15±131 grams. Daily growth rate of hybrids produced from crossing of female Beluga with male Persian sturgeon was higher than control Beluga during second and third rearing period each taking six months. We observed significant differences (p≤0.05) in 31 morphometric and meristic parameters from a total of 32 attributes. The percentage of heterosis was variable, being -73.76 in early growth period and 0.79 at the final rearing stage with an average heterosis of -32.69. The hybrid produced from female Beluga and male Persian Sturgeon showed a very good growth performance. However, with the inadequacy of female Beluga in the Caspian Sea and the priority of restocking Beluga, it is suggested that the hybrid production be conducted using male Beluga and female Persian Sturgeon.

Description: Published

Description: This study was conducted to codify the guideline and indexes of broodstock management in salmonid fish and cryopreservation, selective breeding and sex reversal in hatchery to attain responsible aquaculture development. Cryopreservation includes of sperm and egg in term of economic is important in aquaculture. In this report mentioned the type and name of material. All female and sex reversal fish are produced by steroid hormone which mentioned in this report. Selective breeding include individual selection and family selection which could be used for genetic improvement of fish.

Description: The lack of sustainable management programs has resulted in the drastic decline of sturgeons stocks in the Caspian Sea in the past two decades. Legal catch quotas for all Caspian littoral states has dropped from 28500 tons in 1985 to 460 tons in 2007 while caviar production in the Caspian Sea during the same period decreased from 3000 tons to 70 tons. Caviar production in the I.R. of Iran dropped from 305 tons in 1985 to about 11 tons in 2007. The "Strategic and applied research planning for sturgeon management and conservation" was developed with the collaboration of academicians from universities, researchers, experts, fishery authorities and representatives of the executive government to maintain sustainable development and rational management of sturgeon stocks in the Caspian Sea. The preparation and development of this planning was carried out through 121 sessions (2100 person hours) A comprehensive report (375 pg) was prepared which was divided into five volumes; Volume I comprises an introduction, objectives, strategies and planning, present status of production and caviar harvest, catch and export quotas, revenue generated and release of sturgeon fingerlings, Volume II comprises analysis of the problem by constructing a problem tree with 8 broad categories to analyze 344 problems and an objective tree which is the hierarchic flowchart of objectives with 9 broad categories with 241 items, Volume III comprises a review and analysis of previous and ongoing research (414 projects) on different aspects of sturgeon during the past 40 years, Volume IV comprises prioritizing research objectives outlined by the objective tree and finally Volume V which prioritizes primary objectives for 14 executive and 10 research programs. On the basis of the evaluation of the present status and for the sustainable development and rational management of sturgeon stocks a strategic and applied research planning program was proposed and developed within the framework of three primary objectives; 1) Management and sustainable use of Caspian Sea resources (5 programs), 2) Rehabilitation and restoration of stocks (5 programs), 3) Development of aquaculture (4 programs). The applied research program for each proposed executive program was outlined in 10 programs, 42 comprehensive plans and 222 projects. The primary objective on management and sustainable use of Caspian Sea resources includes 5 programs, 14 comprehensive plans and 63 projects, while the primary objective on rehabilitation and restoration of stocks includes 4 programs, 16 comprehensive plans and 87 projects. The primary objective to address sturgeon aquaculture includes 1 program, 12 comprehensive plans and 72 projects. The impacts and outcome of each of these programs was determined and presented. It is evident that if the present situation persists, the catch figures for adult sturgeon specimens and caviar production in Iran will reach zero in 2021. But if concerted efforts are taken and the proposed strategic and applied research planning program is executed (commencing from 2009) we can put a halt to these declining trends. By producing sturgeon fingerlings to restore population abundances, by conserving and protecting them in the Caspian Sea and by conducting applied research we can produce 206.4 tons of caviar by the year 2033. Apart from harvesting caviar from the Caspian Sea we can also annually produce 3000 tons sturgeon meat and 60 tons farmed caviar starting from the year 2023. The total budget proposed for implementation of this program for a period of 14 years (2008-2022) is USD 2483 million. If this budget is allocated in time and the proposed strategic program is properly and totally implemented, we can not only save many sturgeon populations from extinction but also ensure job opportunities for 6000 fisherman, provide 1480 new job opportunities and annually produce 266 tons of caviar which will generate USD 4957 million.