The use of wheat grass juice as a promising functional feed additive for enhancing reproductive performance and larvae quality of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)
C.-A. Barbacariu , G. Dumitru , L. Dîrvariu , D.A. Şerban , I. Dincheva , E. Todirascu-Ciornea , M. Burducea
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The optimization of broodstock nutrition remains a critical challenge in sturgeon aquaculture. This study investigated the effects of wheatgrass juice (WGJ) supplementation of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) broodstock on reproductive performance, larval quality, hematological profile and oxidative status. Female sterlets were randomly assigned to three groups: control diet (V1), WGJ-supplemented diet (V2, 4 % inclusion), both (V1 and V2) hormonally stimulated and saline solution (V3) without hormonal stimulation. WGJ's chemical composition revealed substantial levels of bioactive compounds, including chlorophyll (a: 0.936 ± 0.01, b: 0.329 ± 0.01 mg/mL fw), carotenoids (0.167 ± 0.01 mg/mL fw), proteins (1.205 ± 0.04 mg PSB/mL fw), flavonoids (7.381 ± 0.31 mg/mL fw), and polyphenols (2.963 ± 0.05 mg/mL fw). WGJ supplementation significantly enhanced reproductive parameters, with V2 showing higher egg production (0.23 ± 0.03 kg vs. 0.13 ± 0.01 kg) and gonadosomatic index (14.48 ± 1.73 vs. 8.05 ± 0.51) compared to V1. Larvae from WGJ-supplemented females exhibited significantly improved length (10.9 ± 0.3 cm vs. 9.8 ± 0.14 cm, p < 0.001) and weight parameters. Analysis of oxidative stress markers revealed tissue-specific modulation of antioxidant systems, with WGJ supplementation reducing malondialdehyde levels across tissues (muscle: 1.061 ± 0.075 vs. 1.888 ± 0.105 nM/mg protein, p < 0.0001) and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. Hematological parameters remained within physiological ranges, with reduced neutrophil counts in the WGJ group suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects. These findings establish WGJ as a promising functional feed additive for enhancing reproductive performance in sterlet aquaculture, while maintaining optimal physiological status through improved antioxidant defense mechanisms.
期刊介绍:
Animal Reproduction Science publishes results from studies relating to reproduction and fertility in animals. This includes both fundamental research and applied studies, including management practices that increase our understanding of the biology and manipulation of reproduction. Manuscripts should go into depth in the mechanisms involved in the research reported, rather than a give a mere description of findings. The focus is on animals that are useful to humans including food- and fibre-producing; companion/recreational; captive; and endangered species including zoo animals, but excluding laboratory animals unless the results of the study provide new information that impacts the basic understanding of the biology or manipulation of reproduction.
The journal''s scope includes the study of reproductive physiology and endocrinology, reproductive cycles, natural and artificial control of reproduction, preservation and use of gametes and embryos, pregnancy and parturition, infertility and sterility, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
The Editorial Board of Animal Reproduction Science has decided not to publish papers in which there is an exclusive examination of the in vitro development of oocytes and embryos; however, there will be consideration of papers that include in vitro studies where the source of the oocytes and/or development of the embryos beyond the blastocyst stage is part of the experimental design.