Calcium and phosphorus status in juvenile Beluga (Huso huso) fed citric acid-supplemented diets

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary citric acid (CA) (0, 1%, 2% and 3%) on the calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents of muscle, scute and serum of Beluga (Huso huso) juveniles (25.1±1.9 g). After 8 weeks of feeding on the experimental diets, the Ca and P contents of muscle, scute and serum were measured. The results revealed that the addition of 2% and 3% CA significantly increased the Ca and P contents of muscle and serum. Dietary CA had no effect on the Ca content of scute, but the P content of scute was significantly higher compared with additional 1% CA and the control. These results indicate that the addition of CA to the diet of Beluga increased the bioavailability of Ca and P, thereby increasing muscle and scute mineralization.