Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary monosodium glutamate (MSG) on growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.).

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 trouts were allotted in five experimental groups (n=40) that for 60 days received feed supplemented with MSG at the following levels: 0% (K) or 0.5% (E) or 1% (F) or 3% (G) or 5% (H).

Results: The average initial weight of trouts was 116.68±1.51 g (K), 116.58±1.33 g (E), 116.43±1.39 g (F), 117.40±1.47 g (G), and 115.95±1.88 g (H). At the end of the trial, control fish (K) had the lowest live weight (242.90±3.87 g) compared to Groups E (252.70±5.69 g), F (250.93±4.82 g), G (248.25±4.98 g), and H (247.95±4.74 g). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of control group (K) was higher (1.11±0.02) versus FCR values established in Groups E (1.03±0.01), F (1.04±0.02), G (1.07±0.03), and H (1.06±0.02). Albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, magnesium, and triglyceride exhibited statistically significant differences versus controls.

Conclusion: The results from the study showed that dietary supplementation of rainbow trouts with MSG increased live weight and reduced FCR. The optimum level of MSG recommended for addition to feed was 0.5%.

Keywords: blood biochemical parameters, growth performance, monosodium glutamate, rainbow trout.