spinal curvature, can negatively impact caviar yield and market value. This condition arises from various factors, including genetics, nutritional deficiencies, environmental stressors, and infections. Research has shown that balanced diets can significantly reduce the occurrence of skeletal deformities. This study aims to optimize key nutrients in the Beluga sturgeon diet to maintain skeletal health and control deformities.
Materials and Methods: A premix containing Methylsulfonylmethane, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C (AQUAVIT® C Stable - Adisseo), K, D3 (Microvit®- Adisseo), organic zinc, manganese, and calcium was formulated to address the scoliosis in sturgeons. Four doses of this premix (0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.7%) were added to the sturgeon basal feed prepared by BFM® (Beyza21 Feed Mill) and compared to the control group (0% of the premix). The three-kilogram great sturgeons (Huso huso) in two different farms were fed with the treatments for 12 months. Key metrics, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Daily Growth Rate (DGR), and Survival Rate were measured and the frequency and severity of deformities were reported. Radiographs assessed scoliosis, defined as a lateral spine deviation greater than 10 degrees. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21 using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test.
Results: The study found that various premix doses effectively reduced spinal deformities in sturgeon without impacting survival rates. In Farm 1, deformity rates fell from 6.2% (control group) to 1.5% with 0.6% of the premix. However, 0.7% did not improve outcomes further (P > 0.05). In Farm 2, the rate decreased from 7.5% (control) to 2.8% with 0.6% of the premix. Radiological exams confirmed that premixes lessened both the frequency and severity of deformities. The 0.6% premix also yielded the best growth rates and Feed Conversion Ratios (FCR) with significant difference in compare to the control group (P<0.05), likely due to the positive effects of vitamin C and other vitamins on appetite and digestion. No significant difference was observed between 0.6% and 0.7% doses of the premix in growth performance (P>0.05). Overall, the 0.6% of the premix with specifically optimized levels of the ingredients proved the most effective and cost-efficient in controlling scoliosis in sturgeons compared to the control group (P< 0.05).