Effects of Vitamin E on Growth Performance, Biochemical Indices, Antioxidant Capacity, and Ovarian Development in Female Chinese Sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) Broodstock

This study investigated the effects of dietary vitamin E (DL-α-tocopherol acetate) supplementation on growth performance, biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and ovarian development in female Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) broodstock. A total of 180 healthy second-generation individuals (initial weight: 72.63 ± 3.64 kg) were randomly distributed into three groups and fed isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets supplemented with 0 (V0), 1 (V1), or 2 (V2) g/kg vitamin E for 14 months. At the end of the trial, fish in the V2 group exhibited significantly higher final body weight, body length, and girth, demonstrating superior growth performance compared to the V0 and V1 groups (p < 0.05). Plasma antioxidant capacity was significantly enhanced in the V2 group, as indicated by elevated activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity, alongside reduced levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis revealed that vitamin E supplementation significantly decreased plasma glucose, urea nitrogen, and alkaline phosphatase levels (p < 0.05), with the V2 group showing a notable increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). Ultrasonographic examination demonstrated that ovarian thickness in both transverse and longitudinal sections was significantly increased in the V2 group (p < 0.05). This morphological improvement was corroborated by significantly higher plasma levels of estradiol and vitellogenin in the supplemented groups, particularly in the V2 group. In conclusion, the current study revealed that dietary 2 g/kg vitamin E supplementation not only promoted growth performance and enhanced antioxidant capacity but also effectively stimulated ovarian development by modulating key reproductive hormones in female Chinese sturgeon broodstock.