Effect of concrete pond and net-cage culture systems on growth performance and haematological parameters of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Abstract

The effect of concrete pond and net-cage culture systems on growth and haematological indices of the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) were studied in a 90-day experiment. A total of 300 fish with a stocking density of 12.6 ± 0.37 kg/m2 (initial average weight 1140 ± 53.8 g) were stocked in floating net-cages. Also, 276 fish with a stocking density of 12.6 ± 0.29 kg/m2 and an initial average weight of 1097 ± 72.6 g were stocked in concrete ponds. Throughout the study, the average weight, mean length, and haematological parameters of the fish in each environment were recorded every 30 days. The fish in net-cages displayed higher growth rate (GR), specific growth rate (SGR), and body weight increase (BWI) as well as a lower food conversion rate (FCR) when compared to the fish in concrete ponds. No differences in the condition factor (CF) or survival rate (SR) were found in the trial. In terms of haematological parameters, there was no difference between the ponds and net-cages for the values of red (RBC) and white (WBC) blood cells, haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb), MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, and eosinophil in the initial 30-day and 60-day sampling periods. In the 90-day sampling period, a statistical difference was found in the RBC, MCV, MCH, and WBC values between the ponds and net-cages. Furthermore, in the 90-day sampling period, no statistical difference was found in the Hct, Hb, MCHC, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, and eosinophil values. Consequently, the Siberian sturgeon culture in net-cages is advantageous to concrete ponds in regards to the growth parameters.