Effects of dietary replacement of fish meal by yellow larval mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on growth performance, some blood and liver parameters in Beluga (Huso huso)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 ساری، فرح آباد، کیلومتر ۹ جاده دریا، دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی ساری، گروه شیلات

2 , Faculty of Animals Sciences and Fisheries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resource University, Sari

3 Faculty of Animals Sciences and Fisheries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resource University, Sari,

4 Faculty of Animals Sciences and Fisheries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resource University, Sari, Iran.

10.22124/janb.2025.29776.1276

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing different levels of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal (MW) instead of fish meal on blood parameters, serum biochemical indices, and liver enzymes in beluga (Huso huso). First, fish (360 pieces with an average initial weight of 112.8±9 g) were randomly distributed in 18 polyethylene circular tanks with a useful capacity of 1500 liters and were fed in 6 treatments (each with three replications) including 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% mealworm instead of fish meal for 8 weeks. The results showed that blood parameters including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased with increasing MW substitution level and the lowest values were obtained with complete substitution with MW (p<0.05). With the exception of fish fed with complete replacement, albumin and total protein levels improved in the groups replaced with MW compared to the control (p<0.05). The lowest blood glucose and cholesterol levels were observed in fish fed in the control group, and with the addition of MW, a gradual increase was observed, especially at replacement levels above 60% (p<0.05). Triglyceride concentrations in fish fed up to 20% MW did not differ significantly from the control group (p>0.05), but at levels higher than that, they decreased significantly (p<0.05). The levels of liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP decreased with the inclusion of MW (p<0.05). Based on the results, it is not possible to completely replace MW with fish meal, and a 20% replacement level is suggested as the optimal level. However, potential for substitution can be expected within a conservative range of up to 40-60% levels in the beluga diet.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Aquatic Animals Nutrition

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 May 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics