Effect of using different levels of dietary commercial phytogenic supplement Copal® on growth performance, some non-specific immune indices and hematological parameters of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Dehdar, Vahid; Sajjadi, Mirmasoud; Falahatkar, Bahram; Mohseni, Mahmoud

Volume 16, Issue 2 (summer 2026) J. Aqua. Eco 2026, 16(2): 50-65 | Back to browse issues page

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Dehdar V, Sajjadi M, Falahatkar B, Mohseni M. Effect of using different levels of dietary commercial phytogenic supplement Copal® on growth performance, some non-specific immune indices and hematological parameters of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). J. Aqua. Eco 2026; 16 (2) :50-65
URL: http://jae.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-1181-en.html

Effect of using different levels of dietary commercial phytogenic supplement Copal® on growth performance, some non-specific immune indices and hematological parameters of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Vahid Dehdar

, Mirmasoud Sajjadi ^*

, Bahram Falahatkar

, Mahmoud Mohseni

Abstract: (3 Views)

Phytogenics are plant-based feed additives, including essential oils, extracts, and other bioactive compounds, that have attracted increasing attention in aquaculture because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. This study evaluated the effects of the commercial phytogenic supplement Copal, containing garlic (Allium sativum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum), on growth performance, innate immune responses, and hematological parameters in juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Fish with an initial body weight of 57.98 ± 1.46 g were randomly distributed among 12 tanks (500 L) and fed one of four experimental diets for eight weeks: a control diet without Copal (C0) or diets supplemented with 0.5% (C0.5), 1% (C1), or 2% (C2) Copal, with three replicate tanks per treatment. At the end of the feeding trial, growth performance, selected innate immune parameters (total protein, total immunoglobulin, lysozyme activity, and alkaline phosphatase activity), and hematological parameters were evaluated. No significant differences in growth performance were observed among treatments (p > 0.05), although some parameters showed a non-significant increasing trend in Copal-supplemented groups. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in fish receiving 0.5% Copal than in the control group (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were detected for the other immune parameters (p > 0.05). Among hematological parameters, eosinophil percentages were significantly higher in the control and C0.5 groups than in the other treatments (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed for the remaining variables (p > 0.05). Overall, dietary supplementation with 0.5% Copal enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity but did not significantly affect growth performance or most measured immune and hematological parameters in juvenile Siberian sturgeon. These findings suggest that Copal may modulate selected aspects of innate immunity without improving growth under the conditions tested; further studies involving different supplementation levels, longer feeding periods, and environmental or pathogen-related challenges are warranted

Keywords: Thyme, Garlic, Plant-based supplement, Peppermint, Acipenser baerii.

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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Published: 2026/07/1