Sperm quality and selected biochemical markers of seminal plasma at the beginning of the reproductive period of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Beata Irena Cejko,Sylwia Judycka,Mariola Dietrich,Beata Sarosiek,Dariusz Kucharczyk,Radosław Kajetan Kowalski,Sławomir Krejszeff

doi:10.1007/s10499-013-9672-3

Abstract

Changes in semen quality and selected biochemical markers were analyzed during a week of spawning season of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. Semen was obtained twice, on May 30 and on June 7, and each time it was collected 24 h after hormonal stimulation using Ovopel [(d-Ala6, Pro9 NEt)-mGnRH + metoclopramide] in 1 pellet kg−1. The total volume of semen (ml), volume of semen per kg of body weight (ml kg−1 b.w.), sperm concentration (×109 ml−1), total number of sperm per kg of body weight (×109 kg−1 b.w.), pH of semen, pH of seminal plasma, seminal plasma osmotic pressure (mOsm kg−1) and the total protein content in seminal plasma (mg ml−1) were determined. A 10 mM Tris buffer containing 100 mM NaCl with 0.5 % BSA (pH 9.0, osmolality 200 mOsm kg−1) was used to activate sperm. The following computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters were determined: percentage of motile sperm (MOT, %), progressively motile sperm (PRG, %), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm s−1), straight-line velocity (VSL, μm s−1), movement linearity (LIN, %), wobbling index (WOB, %), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm) and beat cross-frequency (BCF, Hz). The volume of semen per kg of BW, total number of sperm per kg of BW and semen pH were significantly lower at the second semen sampling compared to the first semen sampling. Volume of semen at the second sampling correlated positively with CASA parameters. A lack of differences among CASA parameters between both collection periods indicates good quality of carp sperm hormonally stimulated with Ovopel twice at a 1-week interval.

Highlights

Seasonal fertility, which characterizes some Teleostei species such as common carp Cyprinus carpio L., Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis (L.) or Caspian roach Rutilus rutilus caspicus, influences the reproductive potential of females as well as males (Christ et al 1996; Alavi et al 2010; Golpour et al 2013)
Changes in semen quality and selected biochemical markers were analyzed during a week of spawning season of common carp Cyprinus carpio L
A lack of differences among computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters between both collection periods indicates good quality of carp sperm hormonally stimulated with Ovopel twice at a 1-week interval

Summary

Introduction

Seasonal fertility, which characterizes some Teleostei species such as common carp Cyprinus carpio L., Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis (L.) or Caspian roach Rutilus rutilus caspicus, influences the reproductive potential of females as well as males (Christ et al 1996; Alavi et al 2010; Golpour et al 2013). The common carp is the main species of fish farmed in Poland This fish has gained popularity among fish breeders and producers due to the various compositions of feeds it consumes, humans’ high ability to absorb nutrients from them and its fast growth rate. Due to the growth of the human population and need for valuable sources of protein such as fish, the breeding of fish species for consumption, including carp, is of great importance (Balon 1995)

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