Growth performance, body composition, hematological, and serum biochemical responses of beluga (Huso huso) juveniles to different dietary inclusion levels of faba bean (Vicia faba) meal

Faba bean (Vicia faba) meal (FBM) is a rich source of protein that may be used as a vegetable protein in the fish diet. In this study, FBM replaced the fish meal in different percentages and its effects were evaluated on growth, body composition, hematological, and serum biochemical indices of beluga (Huso huso) juveniles. Triplicate groups of juveniles (average weight 82 +/- 0.8 g) were fed six practical iso-nitrogenous FBM diets formulated at inclusion levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 %) for 8 weeks. Final body weight and other growth performances significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by increasing the FBM in the diet from 15 up to 25 %. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in growth indices between the control and the fish fed up to 10 % of FBM. Unlike the crude protein, the body lipid level and moisture contents were affected by the dietary treatments. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the hematological and some serum parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride, and total protein levels) between treatments. However, glucose content and liver enzymes levels were significantly different (P < 0.05) by increasing FBM in diet. The results indicated that FBM can be used successfully in the diet of farmed beluga juveniles up to 10 % without adverse effects on growth performance, survival, hematological, and serum biochemical parameters.