Validation of a Fecal Collection Method for Determination of Apparent Digestibility Coefficients of Diets in Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon

Abstract

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, energy, and crude protein in the diet of Gulf of Mexico sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi were determined by two methods, dissection and hand stripping of feces from the lower spiral valve-rectal area of the digestive tract. Hand stripping resulted in ADC values of 58, 69, and 85% and the dissection method resulted in values of 54, 64, and 78% for dietary dry matter, energy, and crude protein, respectively. No significant differences in the ADC values obtained between the two methods were observed. Gulf of Mexico sturgeon are protected in the Gulf Coast region of the United States and listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The hand stripping method is recommended over dissection for Gulf of Mexico sturgeon since it is an accurate and reliable procedure that does not require killing the fish.