Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Fisheries, La.C., Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
2
International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran
10.22124/janb.2026.33913.1311
Abstract
Introduction: Bioactive compounds in plants are essential for aquatic animal nutrition because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from damage. This protection helps to maintain normal physiological functions critical for fish health. Furthermore, these compounds enhance the immune system, increasing fish resistance to pathogens and environmental stressors. Improved immunity reduces disease risk and mortality rates. Bioactive substances also support digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as promoting better growth performance. Collectively, they boost fish resilience and biological functioning, making them valuable for sustainable aquaculture. Given the importance of Stellate sturgeon, Acipenser stellatus, as one of the most commercially valuable fish species in the Caspian Sea, in this research, the effects of different levels of resveratrol antioxidant on blood parameters, serum biochemical indices, and liver enzymes in the juvenile Stellate sturgeon were studied for 8 weeks.
Materials and Methods: To examine the effects of Resveratrol, five dietary treatments with 200, 400, 800, and 1000 mg/kg (R200, R400, R800, and R1000, respectively) were prepared along with a control basal diet without Resveratrol (R0). Ingredients for the basal diet were precisely weighed and mixed, with the Resveratrol added accordingly. Pellets were made by mixing the ingredients, forming dough with water, grinding through a 2 mm pellet, drying at 40 °C for 36 h, and storing at dry and cold place. One hundred and fifty Stellate sturgeon averaging 92 ± 2.5 g were acclimated for two weeks in 15 fiberglass tanks stocked with 10 fish each. After acclimation, tanks were randomly assigned to treatments with three replicates for an 8-week trial. Water quality was maintained with aeration, daily 50% water exchange, and stable temperature (18.54 ± 0.53 °C), oxygen (6.89 ± 0.19 mg/L), and pH (8.09 ± 0.01). At the end, in order to determine the hematological, biochemical parameters, and liver enzymes, blood was taken from the caudal vein using a syringe and poured into a 2-mL microtube. Data were statistically analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, and Tukey’s multiple comparison with significance at P<0.05.
Results: The results showed that at the end of the experiment, the highest hematocrit (42.66 ± 2.42%) was observed in R1000, exhibiting a significant difference compared to the control (R0; P<0.05). The lowest glucose and cholesterol levels were observed in R800 and R1000, exhibiting a significant difference compared to the control (R0; P<0.05). Also, the lowest triglyceride was observed in R1000, exhibiting a significant difference compared to the control (R0; P<0.05). The lowest aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed in R1000, exhibiting a significant difference compared to the control (R0; P<0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: The results showed that Resveratrol can improve the general health status of aquatic animals, but it is very important to determine the effective doses on blood indices, serum biochemical parameters, and liver enzymes. Therefore, in the present study, Resveratrol in nutritional treatments with a dose of 1000 mg/kg diet is recommended for juvenile Stellate sturgeon. Overall, the present results suggest that a diet containing 1000 mg/kg Resveratrol could enhance blood indices, serum biochemical parameters, and liver enzymes in juvenile Stellate sturgeon.
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