THE INFLUENCE OF PHYTOBIOTICS (THYME AND SEABUCKTHORN) ON A. STELLATUS (PALLAS, 1771) MEAT BIOCHEMISTRY, GROWTH IN A INDUSTRIAL AQUACULTURE RECIRCULATING SYSTEM

Oana Georgiana Dorojan (Varlan), V. Cristea, Săndiţa Plăcintă, M. Fotea

Abstract
    The main objective of the present research is to evaluate the biochemical composition of A. stellatus meat, after the administration of the phytobiotics in feed.
    One year and four months old A. stellatus fish were used, with an initial average weight of 121.21 ± 68 g / fish. The experimental trial lasted days and was hold at the pilot aquaculture recirculating system.
    The phytobiotics used were incorporated in feed with gelatin in a concentration of 2% / kg feed and were represented by thyme (Thymus vulgaris) that the seabuckthorn (Hippophaerhamnoides).
    Two experimental variants were made: V1 - sea buckthorn and V2 - thyme.
    The fish were fed with Alterna Storione feed, with 48% crude protein and 16% fat.
    During the experiment, the water physico-chemical parameters were in the normal range for an optimal growth of stellate sturgeon.
    At the end of the experiment significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the two experimental variations in terms of dry matter, protein, fat and moisture content. Not significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded concerning the percentage of ash.
    The highest value of moisture (83.44%) was recorded in V2 (thyme), the lowest fat content (0.29%) was recorded in V1 (seabuckthorn).
    In conclusion, the two types of phytobiotics (thyme, seabuckthorn), administered in a concentration of 2% / kg feed, significantly influenced the biochemical composition of A. stellatus meat.

Key words: A. stellatus, biochemical composition, phytobiotics, aquaculture recirculating system