Abstract:We evaluated the effects of dietary supplement with herbs on growth performance and plasma biochemical characteristics of Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii). A compound herbal additive, containing Poria, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Herba Houttuyniae, and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, was added into the basal feed of Acipenser schrenckii. Amur sturgeon were assigned to one of four treatment groups (n=8 fish/group, initial body weight: 137.61±22.26 g) and fed a diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, or 2% of the herbal additive for 8 weeks. Each treatment group was conducted in triplicate. Fish were fed to apparent satiation three times daily. We measured growth, plasma biochemical profiles, plasma hormone levels, and immune-related indicators. The body weight of each fish was measured every thirteen days during the experimental period. The weight gain rate(WGR), specific growth rate(SGR), and digestibility (D) were significantly higher in the 0.5% group than in the control group (P<0.05). However, the SGR and WGR of fish fed diets supplemented with 1% and 2% herbal additive were not different from those in the control group (P<0.05). The highest acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was observed in fish fed a diet supplemented with 1% herbal additive (P<0.05). Plasma total protein and globulin contents were significantly higher in both the 0.5% and 1% groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Plasma concentrations of cholestenone (CHOL) and glycerin trilaurate (TG) decreased significantly in fish fed diets supplemented with the herbal additive(P<0.05). Plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased significantly in fish fed 2% herbal additive(P<0.05). Supplementation with herbal additives reduced plasma cortisol levels in the 0.5% group but increased plasma T4 levels significantly in both the 0.5% and 1% groups (P<0.05). Our results suggest that supplementation with herbal additives at a 0.5% level can improve growth performance and alleviate stress in Acipenser schrenckii. Furthermore, the medicinal plants used in this study reduced the level of blood lipid in Amur sturgeon fed the formula feed.