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Fisheries Science of Ukraine, 2026; 3(77): 134-151
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61976/fsu2026.03.134
UDC [639.371.2:597-111]:639.3.043.2

Received: 27.07.2026
Received in revised form: 24.08.2026
Published: 30.09.2026

Antioxidant responses and growth potential of juvenile Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt & Ratzeburg, 1833) under the effect of an experimental synbiotic

O. Bernakevych, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0002-9144-8534, Lviv Research Station of the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Velykyj Lubin
K. Solopova, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0002-9772-7745, Lviv Research Station of the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Velykyj Lubin
M. Koryliak, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0001-8235-5400,Lviv Research Station of the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Velykyj Lubin
O. Dobrianska, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0001-7238-5059, Lviv Research Station of the Institute of Fisheries of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Velykyj Lubin

Purpose. To assess the effect of an experimental synbiotic supplement added to live feeds on the growth, survival, and antioxidant responses of the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldanstaedtii Brandt & Ratzeburg, 1833).

Methodology. The study was conducted on juvenile Russian sturgeon divided into two experimental groups and one control group. For 21 days, the fish were fed with Artemia salina nauplii enriched with an experimental synbio­tic supplement at concentrations of 15 mg/dmі and 45 mg/dmі of the enrichment solution. The growth rate and survival of the juveniles were assessed. After its completion, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and the intensity of lipid peroxidation (content of diene conjugates and TBA-active products) were determined in tissue homogenates. The fish growing conditions met the standard values for recirculating aquaculture systems.

Findings. Enriching Artemia salina with an experimental synbiotic supplement for 21 days increased survival and dose-dependently inhibited lipid peroxidation processes in juvenile Russian sturgeon. A lower concentration (15 mg/dmі of enrichment solution) blocked the formation of primary LPO products, reducing the content of diene conjugates by 48.8% (p<0.05), which ensured maximum growth without additional energy expenditure for the activation of the antioxidant system. Increasing the concentration to 45 mg/dmі of the enrichment solution significantly reduced the content of TBA-reactive products by 57% due to compensatory activation of catalase by 91.9% (p<0.05), making it suitable for use under conditions of increased risk of oxidative stress.

Originality. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of a new experimental synbiotic on growth parameters, survival rates, and antioxidant status in juvenile Russian sturgeon.

Practical Value. The results of this study can serve as a basis for improving technologies for rearing sturgeon juveniles in aquaculture systems, which will help increase their viability and reduce fish mortality during the early stages of development.

Keywords: sturgeons  (Acipenseridae), dietary supplements, sturgeon farming, aquaculture, antioxidant defense system, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), growth rate.

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