Effect of extender solutions and dilution on motility and fertilizing ability of Eastern oyster sperm

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Abstract

Optimization of conditions for short-term storage of gametes is important for the production of seedstock and genetic management of broodstock in aquaculture. We conducted a series of experiments to evaluate refrigerated storage of sperm of the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea viginica). Our objectives were to: 1) compare motility of oyster sperm suspended in artificial seawater (ASW) at five osmotic pressures (22, 203, 403, 601, or 833 mOsm/kg) over 24 h; 2) compare motility of sperm suspended in solutions of ASW, Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS), or DCSB4 solution (all at 833 mOsm/kg) over 4 days of refrigerated storage; 3) compare motility of sperm suspended in ASW or HBSS (833 mOsm/kg) in six ratios of sperm:extender (1:0, 1:1, 1:3, 1:7, 1:15, or 1:31) over 4 days of refrigerated storage, and 4) compare motility and fertilizing capacity of oyster suspended in ASW (200 and 830 mOsm/kg), ASW with 6% glycine (ASW+G), HBSS, and calcium-free HBSS (C-F HBSS) (all at 830 mOsm/kg). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in the motility of sperm suspended in ASW of different osmotic pressures. No significant differences (p = 0.267) were found in motility of sperm suspended in ASW, HBSS, or DCSB4. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in the motility of sperm suspended in different ratios of sperm:extender. The highest motility was found in undiluted sperm and the lowest in the 1:31 dilution for sperm suspended in ASW or HBSS. Significant differences (p = 0.0001) were found in motility of sperm suspended in various extenders. The highest motility was found in sperm diluted in CF-HBSS (96%), and the lowest in sperm diluted in ASW at 200 mOsm/kg (12%). The highest percent fertilization (48%) (as measured by larval development at 12 h) was obtained when eggs were fertilized with sperm diluted in C-F HBSS. These results indicate that for storage (4 days), it is best to leave sperm samples undiluted. However, when sperm samples are diluted for use within 24 h, it is best to maintain high sperm concentrations and to use C-F HBSS as an extender.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Shellfish Research

First Page

231

Last Page

237

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