The effect of feed deprivation or restriction on growth performance and energy reserves of sturgeons

Majority of rearing costs are created by food and this topic indicated the importance of feeding management in aquaculture. The aim of the present study was to review the feed deprivation and feed restriction on growth performance and physiologic fuels of sturgeons. Reorganization of metabolic operation is an important strategy to consume energy reserves when food availability is limited. Decreasing in metabolic rate resulted in body mass reduced that is common response to feed deprivation and feed restriction periods. Liver plays an important role compared to viscera and muscles for supplying energy in maintaining basic metabolism. Body reserves of sturgeons mobilized glycogen, lipid and protein, respectively for providing energy. Liver glycogen constitutes first energy reserves in sturgeons and this way supplied the requirement glucose for tissues and cells. As respects glucose have a vital role in body, plasma glucose level controlled by glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis of non-carbohydrate precursor. Energy reserves levels were fluctuated with species physiology, size, intensity and duration of feed deprivation and feed restriction. Long history of sturgeons led to more resistance against unfavorable conditions and these indicated metabolic adjustment ability during short or long-term starvation. It is required to determine appropriate feeding schedule according to species, fish status, water temperature and rearing condition due to prolonged rearing period, high costs of food and final maturation of sturgeon particular at winter season. The purpose of these strategies are to accesses maximize growth without negative impacts on physiological performance of sturgeons, economizes food costs and helps to improve water quality in controlled conditions.