Conservation of Vulnerable Sterlet Sturgeon, Acipenser ruthenus Using Artificial Gynogenesis

Abstract

Sterlet sturgeon has been identified as a vulnerable species in the IUCN criteria, which is currently lack in most propagation and rehabilitation centers of Iran. This study was conducted with the aim of creating male sterlet sturgeon using gyneogenesis induction without using semen of this sturgeon. Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii sperm was used in this study. To inactivate the sperm DNA, 473 μW/cm2 UV irradiation was used for 90 seconds to maintain sperm motility for the fertility of the ovum. For diploidization of activated eggs, 34°C heat shock was used for 2 minutes, 15 minutes after activation. In this case, fertilization and hatching rate in the gynogenetic progeny were 59.5% and 41.6%, respectively. Sterlet sturgeon gynogenetic progeny was confirmed using microsatellite markers (AFU68 and AFUG9), which had only maternal heritability. Gynogenetic progeny was analyzed by histology of gonads at the age of 17 months. The results showed that both male and female sexes of sterlet sturgeon were created, but these progenies had different sex ratios.