Abstract
AbstractWe determined that the average gastrointestinal tract length of 8–11‐month‐old Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi, a subspecies of Atlantic Sturgeon A. oxyrinchus, was approximately 82% of its fork length. The time required for digesta to pass through the digestive tract was approximately 32 h. Defecation was initiated between 8 and 16 h after feeding. The main site for digestion and absorption of energy, dry matter, and crude protein was the spiral valve region of the intestine, as determined by apparent digestibility coefficients. By the time digesta had reached the lower spiral valve most of the energy, dry matter, and crude protein had been absorbed. Morphological examination of the intestine, including the spiral valve region, revealed a highly developed mucosal surface area, which is essential for efficient nutrient digestion and absorption during the extended period required for the digesta to move through the digestive tract.
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