Performances of oxygenation devices on trout farms in Republic of Serbia, Republic of North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

<jats:p>Dissolved oxygen is universally recognized as the most decisive limiting factor in intensive trout aquaculture, exerting profound effects not only on production efficiency but also on fish welfare, physiological stability, immune competence, and the capacity to resist disease. When oxygen levels fall below optimal thresholds, trout are exposed to chronic stress, impaired metabolic processes, reduced feed intake, and a heightened susceptibility to pathogens, all of which compromise both productivity and sustainability. To counter these risks, water oxygenation—defined as the technological process of enriching aquaculture water with pure oxygen—has become an indispensable intervention for modern trout farming. In Republic of Serbia and Republic of North Macedonia, oxygenation systems have been continuously applied for more than two decades, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina their use has been established for over ten years, collectively enabling production intensification, seasonal stability, and improved economic outcomes. This study explores the diversity of oxygenation technologies currently employed, ranging from diffuser systems and low‑head oxygenators to pressurized tanks and devices with rotating mechanical components. Particular emphasis is placed on their operational principles, efficiency parameters, and exploitation characteristics, with attention to how these technologies are adapted to the specific environmental conditions and management practices of rainbow trout farms in the region.</jats:p>