The effect of short starvation and re-feeding on growth performance, hematological, and morphological responses in juvenile beluga (Huso huso)

A 40-day study was done to evaluate the effect of different feeding strategies on growth performance, hematological, and morphological indices in juvenile beluga (Huso huso). For this purpose, one hundred and eighty fish with a mean weight of 34.58±5.32 g were divided into four feeding strategies: F) fed throughout the 40 days, SRF1) 4 intermittent periods of 2-day starvation, 8-day feeding, SRF2) 2 intermittent periods of 4-day starvation, 16-day feeding, SRF3) an 8-day starvation and 32-day feeding. After 40 days, the results showed that some blood indices, including albumin, globulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were not significantly affected by starvation and refeeding (p>0.05). A significant change was observed in glucose level between treatments and SRF3 had the lowest glucose level. There were significant difference in immunoglobulin levels among treatments (p<0.05). A significant decrease was observed in cortisol levels in starvation and re-feeding treatments compared to the control group (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the hepatic and gastrointestinal index (p>0.05). These findings showed that short-term starvations of beluga had no significant negative effect on most biochemical and hematological indices. The results indicated that beluga has the metabolic regulation capability for short periods of starvation.