Effects of bioencapsulated Daphnia magna with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth and feeding performance of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) larvae

BACKGROUNDS: Optimization of microbial compositions and load in live food during the process of bioencapsulation is one of the most important concerns in aquaculture, as it can promote the growth and feeding parameters of fish larvae. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the growth and feeding performance of Persian sturgeon larvae fed with bioencapsulated D. magna with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. METHODS: D. magna were bioencapsulated with S. cerevisiae at three concentrations of 5, 5.30 and 5.48 Log CFU ml-1 for 10 hours. P. sturgeon larvae were fed using enriched D. magna at 30 percent of their body weight, six times a day. Controlled treatment was fed on unbioencapsulated D. magna. RESULTS: The results indicated that the S. cerevisiae promoted the growth and feeding parameters in P. sturgeon larvae. The final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) in experimental treatments had significant difference in comparison with control treatment (p<0.05). Food conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased significantly in treatment group compared to control one (p<0.05). The maximum of lipid productive value (LPV) and protein productive value (PPV) were obtained in the larvae fed on bioencapsulated D. magna at 5.30 Log CFU ml-1). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that S. cerevisiae had high efficiency in promotion of feeding parameters and growth performance of P. sturgeon larvae.