On the genetic structure of brood groups of the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus Linnaеus) in industrial aquaculture

Purpose. To investigate the genetic structure of the brood stock of the sterlet formed in the conditions of floating cages of an industrial type farm. Methodology. Artificial reproduction and rearing of the sterlet were conducted with the use of industrial aquaculture technologies. The analysis of the polymorphism of protein substances was performed with the use of electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. As molecular-genetic markers for the assessment of the genetic structure of age-4-6 fish (n=30), we used the distribution of allele and genotypic frequencies by loci coding a number of animal blood proteins and enzymes: transferrin (TF), post-transferrin (PTF), albumin (ALB). Statistical processing of the obtained data was performed with the use of traditional methods. Findings. It was found that the genetic structure of the brood sterlet group with the body weight of 1.0-2.3 kg (1.68±0.07 kg, Сv=22.3%) was characterized by a significant level of heterozygosity (66.7%). From examined genetic-biochemical systems, the most informative for the detection of inter-group differences by genetic structures were the TF and ALB systems. The obtained data give an opportunity to suppose that the polymorphism assessment by transferrin and albumin loci can contribute to objective control of the inbreeding degree of sterlet brood stocks in industrial aquaculture methods. Attention is drawn to the need for comprehensive genetic studies in the formation of sturgeon breeding stocks in industrial fish farming. Originality. We studied the genetic structure of the sterlet in the case of a technological variant of the formation and exploitation of sturgeon breeding stocks that is not traditional for aquaculture of Ukraine. Practical value. The research results are of interest for monitoring and improving the condition of the breeding resources of sturgeons in aquaculture of Ukraine.