The study on length and weight indices of Great sturgeon (Huso huso) cultured in brackish water

This study was done on 4 and 5 years old Great sturgeon cultured in brackish water ponds in Bafgh salt water fisheries research station during one year. We examined somatic growth indices and effects of different diets on blood parameters and total length and weight. Diet with constant protein (%40) and different energy levels (400,425,450,475 cal/100g) were fed to 74 pieces of Great sturgeons in 8 circle cement ponds. Biometry, as well as blood analysis were done every season. The assay were done for glucose was measured with Auto analyzer, calcium and magnesium with spectrophotometer and sodium and potassium with film photometer, Hormone levels (cortisol, testosterone, progesterone and esteradiol) were measured by Radio Immunoassay (RIA) in Yazd central laboratory. Total length and weight were not affected by sex, but they were affected significantly with season (p>0.05). The length and weight indices were also affected significantly by diet. Along with increasing energy content, these indices were improved. Among analyzed blood parameters, just magnesium had significant reverse correlation with total length and weight. Also, testosterone had direct correlation with total weight and progesterone had reverse correlation with total length significantly. Growth indices had overlapped in both sexes (a little more in male). On the other hand, Growth rate was similar in both sexes, but somatic growth indices were slightly improved along with increasing age in males.