Influence of Lactobacillus plantarum Inclusion in the Diet of Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) on Performance and Hematological Parameters

The current study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and hematological parameters in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Fish (14.6 +/- 2.3 g) were fed three experimental diets prepared by supplementing a basal diet with L. plantarum at different concentrations (1x10(7), 1x10(8) and 1x10(9) colony-forming units (cfu) g(-1)) and a control (non-supplemented basal) diet for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, 3 fish were sampled randomly from each tank and were anaesthetized. Then, blood samples were introduced to heparinized tubes in order to perform performance and hematological studies. Growth performance indices were increased in fish fed the 1x10(8) cfu g(-1) L. plantarum diet compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the fish fed on various levels of L. plantarum significantly showed higher red blood cell, hemoglobin, white blood cell and monocyte compared to those of the control group (P<0.05). Although, the effect of probiotic treatments on other hematological parameters were not significant (P>0.05); but this value was higher in probiotic supplement treatments compared to control group. These results indicated that dietary supplementation of L. plantarum improved growth performance and hematological parameters in Siberian sturgeon.