Effects of Spirulina and plant oil on the growth and lipid traits of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) fingerlings

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of diets with Spirulina and plant oils (POs) inclusion for white sturgeon weaning and their effects on the fatty acid (FA) composition of fish flesh. Three isoproteic (45%) and isoenergetic (21 MJ kg⁻¹ DM) diets were formulated: one fish meal-based diet integrated with fish oil (FMO) and two 40% Spirulina meal-based diets integrated with corn (SPC) or soybean (SPS) oils respectively. One hundred and thirty-five white sturgeon fingerlings (mean weight 17.5 g) were stocked randomly in nine fibreglass tanks. At the end of the trial, which lasted 71 days, the growth performance traits and somatic indexes were determined. The chemical composition, gross energy and FA profile were determined on the fish fillets. No significant effects were observed for the growth performances or fillet chemical composition. The FA profile of the fillets reflected those of the diets. In particular, the fillets of the fish fed with the SPC and SPS diets were lower in n-3 FA, due to the substitution of fish oil (FO) with POs. It is possible to replace FO and meal in sturgeon; therefore, Spirulina meal integrated with POs could be a good alternative to sturgeon diet.