Relationship
between spermatozoa motility parameters, sperm/egg ratio, and fertilization and
hatching rates in pufferfish (Takifugu
niphobles).
V. Gallego, L. Pérez, J.F. Asturiano and M. Yoshida
Abstract
The use of high quality gametes from
both males and females during in vitro fertilization (IVF) trials is an
essential step in order to achieve high fertilization and hatching rates. Although
aquaculture hatcheries have focused more on egg rather than spermatozoa quality,
some studies have demonstrated that sperm quantity and quality have a great
influence both on fertilization/hatching success and the subsequent development
of the embryo and larvae.
In this study
we have demonstrated that sperm/egg ratio and sperm quality are factors
strongly related to each other in the pufferfish (Takifugu niphobles). Our results suggest that both
factors should be taken into account as unique interrelated elements, making
possible to obtain high fertilization rates using a successful combination of small
amount of high quality sperm or high amount of low quality sperm.
In addition, coefficients of correlation and determination among all
the sperm motion parameters provided by a CASA system and fertilization/hatching rates were estimated for the first time in a
marine species. Positive significant correlations were found in some parameters
such as total and progressive motility (0.68 and 0.7 respectively). However, curvilinear
velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL) and average velocity (VAP) showed
the highest coefficients of correlation (0.82, 0.8, and 0.81, respectively). In
this respect, spermatozoa velocity appears to be a key factor in the
fertilization process, especially when the number of spermatozoa per egg is
limited in the aqueous environment.
doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.08.035
Aquaculture 416-417: 238-243
doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.08.035
Aquaculture 416-417: 238-243
