Using orthogonal array design (L9) for optimization of selected dietary supplements (vitamin C, astaxanthin, and soybean lecithin) in Caspian trout (Salmo caspius) broodstocks

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of different dietary supplements on the reproductive and physiological performance of Caspian trout (Salmo caspius) using an orthogonal array design (L9: 33). For this purpose, 72 broodstock (with an average body weight of 2.5 kg) were fed nine experimental diets containing three levels of vitamin C (VC); 0, 300 and 700 mg/kg diet, astaxanthin (AX); 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg diet and soybean lecithin (SBL); 0, 6 and 9 % for 16 weeks prior to spawning. Higher absolute and relative fecundity, and fertilization rates were observed in fish fed diets containing AX (100) + SBL (%6 and %9) and VC (700) + SBL (%6 and %9), respectively, compared to the control group (p