Investigation of morphophysiological parameters of beluga replacement stock cultivated in artificial environmental conditions

Abstract

The sturgeon fish populations in the main reservoirs of the country are in a crisis. Efficiency of natural reproduction of these fish species is extremely low and currently the replenishment of populations is mainly achieved due to artificial breeding. Beluga, one of the sturgeon fish species living in the Caspian basin, is classified as endangered, being in particularly difficult circumstances. Over the past hundred years its abundance has undergone fluctuations due to the natural and anthropogenic factors. Due to the sharp reduction in the volume of artificial reproduction by fish hatcheries of the Lower Volga and the threat of species extinction there was carried out the research of the quality of beluga juveniles of different ages cultivated in artificial environment. Morphophysiological parameters of beluga juveniles of different ages cultivated in cages and ponds are investigated. The concentration of hemoglobin in the studied groups ranged from 56.3 to 70.3 mg/l (the data were within the reference values), which indicates an increased level of metabolism. Low values of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in different growing conditions (from 4.5 – 6.4 mm/h) were noted, which indicates the absence of inflammatory or pathological processes in the body of hydrobionts. Concentration of total whey protein in the studied groups was also within the physiological norm. As a result of the studies, it can be concluded that such parameters as total protein, cholesterol, glucose and β-lipoproteins are not affected by age, but mainly depend on fish nutrition. The obtained analysis of sturgeon morphophysiological indicators (grown in different conditions) complements the missing information for monitoring the physiological state of these valuable representatives of aquaculture, adjusting biological standards of cultivation and the technological processes in the ponds and industrial complexes.