Physiological State of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Juveniles Grown in the Žeimena Salmon Hatchery Depending on Different Feed

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the peculiarities of the physiological state of salmon juveniles during their growing period in the hatchery depending on different feed. Juveniles of groups I and II were fed with different feed. In group II, salmon length, weight and condition factor values significantly differed from those obtained in group I, whereas no significant differences were found in the ratio Q/L. Visual morphopathological evaluation of salmon livers in group II indicated their better state than that in group I. The liver somatic index in group II was significantly lower than in group I. Haematological parameters: erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration were higher and leukocyte concentration was significantly lower in group II than those found in group I. The liver state, LSI and haematological parameters adequately indicated the dependence of the physiological and immune system state of hatchery-reared fish on feed and demonstrated that the feed used in group II ensured more intensive metabolic processes, a better physiological state and immune resistance of salmon juveniles.

Keywords:

• Salmo salar
• juveniles
• physiological state
• feed