Effects of feeding rate and frequency on growth performance of yearling great sturgeon, Huso huso

Growth and survival of yearling great sturgeon, Huso huso, were determined at three different feeding rates and three different frequencies. Feeding rates were 2, 3, and 4% body weight day super(-1), and these daily rations were offered in 3, 4, and 5 fractions over the day. Sturgeon were offered to 18 tanks with 10 fish each were distributed to each of the 3 feeding rates and 3 frequencies. Thus, a 3x3 experimental design was used with two replicates per treatment involving a total of 18 tanks (stocking density = 10 fish per tank). Initial average body weights of the yearlings were 900 plus or minus 9.2 g. Fish were kept at 23 f 1.5 degree C in rectangular tanks and fed one commercial diet (40-42 % protein, 12-14% tat, 10-11% moisture and 10% ash). After about 16 weeks of feeding (108 experimental days), final length, weight and feed conversion were determined: all were significantly affected by feeding rate and feeding frequency (P