Evaluation of beluga progeny obtained using cryopreserved sperm for conservation and breeding of the species

The results of studies of sturgeon fish species obtained using cryopreserved sperm and grown under the conditions of the NEKA «BIOS»: beluga born in 2019, 2021, 2023, which are included in the «Unique Scientific Facility» of the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «VNIRO» «Bioresource Collection of FBG»are considered. The aim of the work was to assess the fish-breeding, biological and physiological characteristics of beluga groups obtained using cryomaterial for the conservation and selection of the species. The methods of work included fish-breeding, biological, physiological studies of groups of fish obtained using cryopreserved sperm. The results of hydrochemical and hydrological conditions for keeping beluga repair groups, both during wintering and during summer rearing, have been obtained. An assessment of the size and mass characteristics of beluga individuals of different ages is given. Physiological blood parameters made it possible to assess the condition of the beluga cryo offspring as satisfactory. Breeding work on the formation of beluga groups obtained using cryopreserved sperm is carried out by the «eggto-egg» method, based on the results of molecular genetic analysis of samples of sperm and female beluga, with a genetic relatedness coefficient of 0,2–0,5. Mass selection in the first year of rearing in terms of exterior and size-weight indicators was not carried out, given the small number of juveniles obtained and their uniformity in size and weight indicators. Fish-breeding and biological materials will make it possible to plan further work aimed at the formation of a beluga broodstock with a high level of genetic diversity.