Microsatellite DNA Variation in the Siberian Sturgeon, <I>Acipenser Baeri</I> (Actinopterygii, Acipenseriformes, Acipenseridae), Cultured in a Polish Fish Farm

Abstract

Background. The Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baeri, is one of the most important sturgeon species cultured in Poland. The effective management of aquaculture production of this species requires contemporary knowledge of broodstock structure, mating patterns, and genetic diversity of broodstock. The aim of the present study was the application of microsatellite DNA analysis for estimation of gene diversity in the S iberian sturgeon farmed at a Polish fish farm. Materials and Methods. Fin clips were randomly sampled from 94 specimens of Siberian sturgeon broodstock reared at the Wąsosze Fish Farm near Konin, Poland. The analysed broodstock has been kept there since 1996, with new specimens being introduced annually. The fish were studied in 2007-2008. Genomic DNA for ampli- fication of microsatellite loci was extracted using Chelex 100. Six microsatellite loci (Afu-19, Afu-39, A fu-68, AfuB-68, Spl-163, and Spl-168) were amplified for examination of the genetic variability of the studied fish. Results. Within 94 individuals of the Siberian sturgeon, a total of 74 alleles were detected in six polymorphic microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 18, with an average allele number being 12. The genetic diversity of six microsatellite loci varied from 0.686 to 0.811. Conclusion. This technology has great potential for u se in aquaculture of sturgeon fish, especially when levels of genetic variation could be monitored and inbreeding controlled in commercial breeding programs.