Effects of stocking density on blood cortisol, glucose and cholesterol levels of beluga juveniles (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758) cultured in subtropical climate

Abstract

The influence of stocking density (1.5, 3 and 6 kg.m -2 ) was investigated on biochemical plasma including: Cortisol, Glucose and Cholesterol level of Beluga juveniles, for a period of 8 weeks. The mean weight at the start of trial was 143±0.29 g. Concentration of cortisol, glucose and plasma Cholesterol at the start trial was 8.57±1.1 ng.ml -1 , 70.12±3.6 mg.dl -1 , and 46±17.5mg.dl -1 respectively. Cortisol and glucose concentrations showed significantly difference between treatments 3 and 6 kg.m -2 on 30 th day of rearing, but on 60 th day of rearing cortisol and glucose concentrations had no significant difference among treatments. Cholesterol level had significant difference at treatment 1.5 kgm -2 on 30 th and 60 th day of rearing as compared to treatment 3 and 6 kg.m -2 and control group, Cholesterol concentration had no significant difference among treatments 3 and 6 kg.m -2 . Results showed that rearing density had no a major effect on the growth, biochemical parameters of Beluga.