ABSTRACT
Background: Faba bean [Vicia faba] is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates that is used as a vegetable ingredient in diet of livestock, poultry and fish, in many countries
Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the effects of different levels of faba bean on the serum lipid levels and liver function of farmed beluga sturgeon [Huso huso]
Methods: 144 juvenile beluga [82.38 +/- 0.83 g] were located into 18 oval tanks [300 L] and triplicate groups were fed by experimental diets inclusion 6 levels of faba bean [0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%] for 50 days. At the end of the trial, blood samples were taken from the caudal vein of 54 beluga juveniles and some of biochemical parameters [cholesterol and triglycerides] and liver enzymes such as Alkaline Phosphatase [ALP], Aspartate Aminotransferase [AST], Alanine Aminotransferase [ALT] and Lactate Dehydrogenase [LDH] were investigated. Then nine fish per treatment were sampled to measure Hepatosomatic index [HSI] and liver composition per each treatment
Results: The results showed that by increasing the levels of faba bean in diets ALP, AST and LDH contents were significantly decreased compared to the control treatment [p<0.05]. However, the lowest level of ALT[0.76 +/- 0.2 U/l] was measured in fish fed with 10% faba bean meal [p<0.05]. The moisture and fat contents of liver showed significant difference by increasing the levels of faba bean in diet [p<0.05]. No significant differences were shown in cholesterol, triglyceride, HSI, liver protein and liver ash contents [p>0.05]. Highly significant positive correlation were observed between total protein, cholesterol, AST, LDH, ALP and liver fat [p<0.01]
Conclusions: Use of lower levels of faba bean [up to 25%] had no significant effect on serum lipids and no adverse effect on liver function of juvenile beluga