Bilal AKBULUT
Abstract
In this study, a 3x2 factorial feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding rate on growth performance, feed conversion ratio and meat yield of sterlet reared in a recirculating aquaculture system. The diet containing 45% protein 6.5% fat was offered to the sterlet with initial average weight of 187 g at three feeding rates: 1, 2 and 3% of body weight at 18.7 ±0.97°C for 60 days. SGR were 1.7 ±0.10, 2.1 ±0.11 and 2.0 ±0.11, respectively. FCR amounted as 1.8 ±0.11, 2.9 ±0.15 and 4.4 ±0.14, respectively. In terms of the hepatosomatic index, viscerasomatic index and carcass efficiency no statistic differences were found between feeding rate groups (P>0.05). Considering growth performance and FCR data, it can be con-cluded that the best growth of sterlet at 17-19°C was obtained in fish fed with 2% BW/day. As a result, the diet containing 45% protein and 6.5 % fat can be recommended for use at 2 % BW/day feeding rate for 150-300 g size sterlets.