Sperm cryopreservation of tiete tetra Brycon insignis (Characiformes): effects of cryoprotectants,extenders, thawing temperatures and activating agents on motility features

The aim of this study was to test the effects of cryoprotectants [dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and methylglycol], extenders (0.9% NaCl, 5% glucose, Beltsville Thawing Solution^? and Merck III^?), thawing temperatures (30 and 60 °C) and activating agents (0.29% NaCl and 1% NaHCO₃) on the cryopreservation process of tiete tetra Brycon insignis sperm. Sperm was loaded in 0.5 mL straws, frozen in nitrogen vapour at ?170 °C and stored in liquid nitrogen. Post‐thaw sperm quality was evaluated in terms of subjective motility rate, quality motility score (0=no movement; 5=rapidly swimming spermatozoa), duration of motility and vitality (eosin–nigrosin staining). Post‐thaw sperm motility rate was greater in methylglycol (76–88%), compared with DMSO (23–59%). In general, the highest quality motility scores were observed when sperm was thawed at 30 °C and triggered in 1% NaHCO₃ (3.5–4.3). Duration of motility was longer when triggered in 1% NaHCO₃ (95–120 s) compared with 0.29% NaCl (69–107 s). Sperm vitality was not affected by any of the parameters tested and varied from 51% to 69% intact sperm. Brycon insignis sperm frozen in methylglycol combined with any of the extenders tested and using the methods described above yields motility above 57% and that should last long enough to fertilize oocytes.     

The Cryopreservation of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis Semen

Abstract.— Two experiments were designed to improve upon existing methods for cryopreserving striped bass Morone saxatilis , semen. In the first experiment, two extenders, two cryoprotectant concentrations, and two freezing rates were evaluated on the basis of post-thaw semen motility after 1, 7, and 30 d of storage at −196 C. Semen samples cryopreserved at a freezing rate of −40 C/m resulted in a significantly higher percentage of motile sperm ( P < 0.001) and longer duration of spermatozoa motility ( P < 0.001) than samples cryopreserved at a freezing rate of -30 Chin. Also, the cryoprotectant dimethyl-sulfoxide yielded a significantly higher percentage of motile sperm ( P < 0.001) and longer duration of spermatozoa motility ( P < 0.001) when a 5% concentration was used instead of 7.5%. In the second experiment, the two extenders from Experiment I were re-evaluated and a new extender, which was a modified version of Extender 1, was tested. The samples were cryopreserved at -40 C/min with 5% DMSO and thawed in a 25 C water bath. Spermatozoa motility and fertilization ability were evaluated, and semen cryopreserved in Extender 2 yielded the longest duration of spermatozoa motility ( P < 0.001). the highest percentage of motile sperm ( P < 0.001). and the highest percentage of fertilized eggs ( P < 0.002) in comparison to Extenders I and 3.     

Suitable methods for cryopreservation of semen from Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.

Decrease in the quality and quantity of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L., semen towards the end of the reproductive season hampers production of good-quality embryos. Therefore, cryopreservation of spermatozoa is a method showing potential to facilitate controlled reproduction in Atlantic halibut. The present study aimed at establishing the appropriate cryopreservation procedure. We tested 20 extenders composed of four various diluents and five cryoprotectants (DMSO, DMA, methanol, propylene glycol, and glycerol) to determine the best extender. Then, we examined cryopreservation quality using various methods of loading and various volumes of cryopreserved samples. In most of the tested variants, sperm diluted with an extender showed high motility after 24-h incubation despite the high osmotic pressure of the extender. Modified turbot extender (MTE) was the best of the tested diluents, securing the highest post-thaw motility (P < 0.05), and DMSO, DMA, and methanol were the best cryoprotectants (P < 0.05). There was no significant effect of 15-min equilibration of semen in MTE-based extenders prior to freezing on post-thaw motility (P > 0.05). MTE-based extender was chosen as the most suitable. Semen cryopreserved in straws, Eppendorfs or Ziploc bags in volumes ranging from 0.25 to 20 ml showed similar high fertilization ability. Survival of larvae produced with the cryopreserved sperm did not differ from controls produced with freshly collected sperm. Motility 3 h after thawing was high but depended on the type of cryoprotectant and the volume of cryopreserved sperm (P < 0.05). The developed cryopreservation procedure has been applied at our Atlantic halibut breeding station for seed production.     

Use of ACP‐104 at Different Dilutions for Sperm Cryopreservation of Dourado,Salminus brasiliensis

The dourado, Salminus brasiliensis, is an important fish in South American river basins. The fish‐farming potential and concerns for its conservation in watersheds has stimulated studies with this species. This study compared the effect of different dilutions of two cryoprotectant solutions on the quality of cryopreserved dourado sperm (duration of motility/motility rate) post‐thawing using three different activating solutions. The cryoprotectant solution ACP‐104 was compared with the cryoprotectant solution most commonly used for dourado, which consists of a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide, glucose, egg yolk, and distilled water. The semen was mixed following dilutions of semen : cryoprotectant solution: 1:3, 1:9, 1:15, 1:21, and 1:27. The cryopreserved samples were activated using distilled water, 0.45% NaCl or 1% NaHCO₃. The results showed differences in thawed semen using the different activating solutions and cryoprotectant solutions. The glucose‐based cryoprotectant not only resulted in sperm motility equal to or better than that produced by ACP‐104, but the quality was not affected by the dilution. However, the sperm quality improved with increasing dilutions for ACP‐104. Under the conditions tested, the standard cryoprotectant solution is recommended for the cryopreservation of dourado semen because it requires a lower solution volume and, therefore, reduced storage space for the same volume of semen.     

Evaluation of different extenders for the cold storage of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) semen

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is considered a potential candidate for aquaculture diversification in southern Europe. The main objective of this experiment was to develop a cold storage protocol for meagre semen to facilitate artificial reproduction techniques. Three extenders (non‐activating medium, 0.9% NaCl, and 0.9% NaCl with glycine and glucose) in three different sperm:extender dilutions (1:4, 1:9 and 1:19) were tested in a full factorial design. The quality parameters assessed along the storage time were the sperm motility, viable sperm percentage, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and bacterial growth. The 0.9% NaCl and 0.9% NaCl with glycine and glucose extenders and the 1:4 and 1:9 dilutions maintained a higher sperm motility and a higher sperm linearity for a longer period time. Sperm viability was maintained at a higher value over a longer period with the 0.9% NaCl and 0.9% NaCl with glycine and glucose extenders. Sperm motility and viability appeared to be the main parameters showing the loss of semen quality during cold storage. Meagre semen demonstrated an ability to be stored for up to 10 days at 4°C when using 0.9% NaCl in a 1:4 dilution. These results contribute to a better understanding of the causes of fish semen quality deterioration during cold storage.     

Improvement in wild endangered Persian sturgeon,Acipenser persicus (Borodin, 1897) semen cryopreservation by 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (HβCD)

In this study, cryopreservation feasibility of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) and the effect of different doses of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin on thawed spermatozoa quality (motility duration and motility percentage) were investigated. For freezing, semen of seven male individuals was pooled in equal volumes and diluted with 4°C [Tris‐HCl (100 mM), pH = 8, DMSO 10%] extenders containing 0, 5, 10, 15 mM of HβCD in a ratio of 1:1(semen/extenders). Then semen was filled into 0.5‐mL straws, and was frozen with vapour of liquid nitrogen at 4‐cm above surface of liquid nitrogen. After 3 min, straws were plunged in to liquid nitrogen. Thawing was performed at 40°C water baths for 15 s. Motility duration of the 10 mM HβCD treated spermatozoa at days 14 (228.98 ± 16.39) and 56 (199.66 ±21.78) were longer than other treatments. In day 56, the motility percentage in treatment with 10 mM was significantly higher (16.14 ± 2.54) (P < 0.05) compared with 5 mM treatment (8.75 ± 2.47) (P < 0.05). Therefore, it is recommended that 10 mM of HβCD can be used as an additive cryoprotectant for increasing cryopreserved spermatozoa quality in this species.     

Effects of cysteine supplementation on the quality of cryopreserved sperm of South American silver catfish

The cryopreservation promotes cellular damage that could compromise sperm quality in terms of motility and fertility rates, which may be caused by oxidative stress. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of cysteine addition on post‐thaw sperm quality, DNA damage and indices of oxidative stress of the South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) sperm, compared with the cryoprotectant solution without cysteine addition. Sperm collected from five males were cryopreserved in cryoprotectant solution (fructose 50 g/L, powdered milk 50 g/L and methanol 100 ml/L) containing different cysteine concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mM). After thawing, the following were measured: sperm motility, morphology, sperm viability, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, concentration of carbonyl and sulfhydryl groups and the activity of SOD, CAT, GST and GPx enzymes. The lowest sperm motility was determined for semen cryopreserved with addition of 20 mM of cysteine. The control group had the lowest DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. The findings of this study show that cysteine addition had no positive effect on evaluated parameters. Therefore, the concentrations tested are not recommended for the supplementation of cryoprotectant solution for semen of R. quelen.     

Purification and partial characterization of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase from haemolymph of Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense

The copper plus zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) was purified from haemolymph of the Oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense and partially characterized. Partial protein precipitation in crude extract was affected by using heat treatment and (NH₄)₂SO₄ fractionated precipitation methods. Fractionation of superoxide dismutase was performed by DEAE-cellulose 32 ion-exchange chromatography and followed by CM-cellulose cation-exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of it was about 66.1 kDa, as judged by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was sensitive to cyanide and H₂O₂, and contained 1.08 ± 0.14 atom of copper and 0.98 ± 0.11 zinc per subunit shown in atomic absorption spectroscopy, which revealed that purified SOD was Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase. The purified enzyme had an absorption peak of 269 nm in ultraviolet region and the enzyme remained stable at 25–45 °C within 60 min. But it was rapidly inactivated at higher temperature (50 °C). The activity of purified shrimp Cu, Zn-SOD was remained stable over the range pH 5.8–8.3. Treated with 10 mM mercaptoethanol, the enzyme activity significantly increased. However, the enzyme activity was obviously inhibited by 10 mM CaCl₂, ZnCl₂, SDS, EDTA–Na₂ and 1 mM and 10 mM K₂Cr₂O₇. The results showed that it might be a kind of EC-SOD. And it was the first report of some characterizations of this EC-SOD in M. nipponense.     

A Strategy for Sperm Cryopreservation of Atlantic Salmon,Salmo salar,for Remote Commercial‐scale High‐throughput Processing

Sperm cryopreservation is an essential tool for long‐term storage of genetic resources for aquaculture fishes. The goal of this study was to develop an efficient and streamlined protocol for high‐throughput processing for sperm cryopreservation in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. The objectives were to evaluate: (1) osmolality of blood serum for determining extender osmolality, (2) effects of extenders for fresh sperm dilution and refrigerated storage, (3) effects of methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on fresh sperm motility, and (4) motility and fertility after thawing. In this study, sperm samples were collected at a hatchery site in Canada and shipped to a freezing site located 2200 miles (3550 km) away in the USA. Evaluation of three extenders indicated that Mounib solution was suitable for diluting dry sperm for sample processing. Ten percent of methanol or DMSO was less toxic to sperm cells than was 15% within 30 min. Further testing with methanol at 5, 10, and 15%, and sperm solution : extender dilutions (v:v) of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:19 (at concentrations of 5 × 10⁷, 3 × 10⁸, and 1 × 10⁹ cells/mL) indicated that methanol at 5 and 10% showed less toxicity to fresh sperm within 1 h at sperm:extender dilutions of 1:1 and 1:3. Post‐thaw motility of sperm cryopreserved with 10% methanol was significantly higher than that with 10% DMSO, and fertility reflected those results (0–1% in DMSO vs. 38–55% in methanol). Further evaluation of sperm cryopreservation with 10 and 15% methanol at sperm dilution ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:19 indicated that post‐thaw motility in 10% methanol was significantly higher than that in 15% methanol, and post‐thaw fertility in 10% methanol at 1:1 and 1:3 dilution ratios had fertilization rates similar to that of fresh sperm controls. Sperm samples from 12 males cryopreserved with 10% methanol showed male‐to‐male variation in post‐thaw motility (0–36%). Overall, a simplified standard protocol was established for cryopreservation of shipped sperm of Atlantic salmon using extender without egg yolk and yielded satisfactory post‐thaw motility and fertilization rates. This procedure can be readily adopted by aquaculture facilities to take advantage of high‐throughput cryopreservation capabilities at remote service centers. Most importantly, this approach lays the groundwork for an alternative commercial model for commercial‐scale production, quality control, and development of industrial standards. Control of male variability and sperm quality remain important considerations for future work.     

Cryopreservation of silver barb Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker) spermatozoa: effect of extender composition,cryoprotective agents and freezing rate on their postthawing fertilization ability

The effects of extender composition, cryoprotectant concentration and freezing and thawing on the fertilization efficiency of cryopreserved spermatozoa of Puntius gonionotus were evaluated. Computer‐aided motility analysis of semen was conducted to check the suitability of spermatozoa for cryopreservation after mixing with different extenders and cryoprotective agents (CPAs). Extender‐4 with an osmolality 260 mOsmol kg⁻¹and pH 7.6 was used for the cryopreservation study. Among the CPAs, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) was least toxic and more than 60% fertilization was achieved when used at 1.4 M at 0 °C for 10 and 30 min, whereas the toxicity of all CPAs to spermatozoa was evident when tested at 30 °C. Semen frozen at −16 °C min⁻¹ with 1.4 M DMSO showed 70% fertilization, which was significantly higher (P<0.05) than other freezing rates. Samples thawed at 35 °C water showed a fertilization rate comparable with that of fresh semen. Computer‐assisted semen analysis of fresh and frozen semen after thawing showed variations in different types of motility in spermatozoa and in their class. There was no significant difference in motility before or after cryopreservation; however, significant differences could be observed in the average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL) and curve linear velocity (VCL). Semen of silver barb could be cryopreserved with extender‐4 by addition of 1.4 M DMSO to a final cryopreservation medium (MED 2) cooled at a rate of −16 °C min⁻¹, stored in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) and utilized after thawing at 35±2 °C.     

Effect of cryoprotectants, extenders and freezing rates on the fertilization rate of frozen striped catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage), sperm

The effects of four cryoprotectants (methanol, MeOH; dimethyl sulphoxide, DMSO; dimethyl acetamide, DMA; and ethylene glycol, EG), three extenders (calcium‐free Hanks' balanced salt solution, C‐F HBSS, Hanks' balanced salt solution, HBSS and sodium chloride, NaCl) and two different freezing procedures (one‐ and two‐step) on the cryopreservation of striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage)) sperm were investigated. Sperm were frozen using a controlled‐rate freezer in 250 μL straws and stored for 2 weeks in a liquid nitrogen (LN₂) container. They were then airthawed at room temperature, and fertilization, motility and viability were assessed. The highest fertilization rate of 41% (81% of control) was achieved with the combination of 12% DMSO and 0.9% NaCl using a one‐step freezing procedure (10°C min^?1). Also, DMA resulted in a higher fertilization rate (30% or 51% of the control) than MeOH (18% or 38% of the control) or EG (8% or 12% of the control). In addition, the three extenders used did not affect fertilization rates after cryopreservation with each cryoprotectant. There were no significant differences among the three cryoprotectant concentrations and between the one‐ and two‐step freezing procedures. However, fertilization rates of cryopreserved sperm were significantly lower than the controls (P<0.05). The results of this study indicate that high fertilization rates of striped catfish eggs can be achieved using cryopreserved sperm when frozen at 10°C min^?1 in DMSO or DMA with either 0.9% NaCl or C‐F HBSS.     

Cryopreservation diluents for spermatozoa of Sakhalin taimen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hucho perryi</Emphasis>

To develop a suitable cryopreservation diluent for spermatozoa of the endangered Sakhalin taimen Hucho perryi, all possible combinations of cryoprotectants (glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], methanol) and extenders (fetal bovine serum [FBS], 300 mM glucose solution [GS], artificial seminal plasma for masu salmon) were examined by observing sperm motility 10 s after thawing. Spermatozoa cryopreserved with diluents such as mixtures of 10% glycerol plus 90% FBS, 10% DMSO plus 90% FBS, and 10% methanol plus 90% GS showed the highest motility. The maximal post-thaw motility was observed at 10% among all concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of these three cryoprotectants. No significant difference among three diluents was observed in motility at 10 s. Mixtures of 10% glycerol plus 90% FBS, 10% DMSO plus 90% FBS, and 10% methanol plus 90% GS are suitable cryopreservation diluents for Sakhalin taimen spermatozoa.     

Transport and cryopreservation of sperm of the common snook, Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch)

Sperm were collected in Florida from wild common snook, Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch), and were shipped to Louisiana State University for analysis and cryopreservation. Threshold activation of sperm (10% motility) occurred at 370 mOsmol kg^?1, and complete activation occurred at 680 mOsmol kg^?1. These values were significantly different. Sperm samples stored at 1°C in Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS) or in 0.6% NaCl solution at 200 mOsmol kg^?1 retained motility for as long as 22 days. Mean motility remained above 50% for 9 days for sperm stored in HBSS and for 7 days for sperm stored in NaCl solution. Sperm exposed to 5% dimethyl acetamide (62±10%; mean±SD), 10% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) (39±16%), 5% glycerol (26±5%) or 10% glycerol (6±2%) for 30 min had significantly lower motility than did unexposed sperm (89±9%). When used as a cryoprotectant, samples frozen with 5% or 10% DMSO or 5% methanol had significantly higher post‐thaw motility than did samples frozen with other cryoprotectants. Sperm cryopreserved with 10% DMSO (38±12%) had significantly higher post‐thaw motility than did sperm cryopreserved with 15% DMSO (19±10%) or 20% DMSO (4±4%). There were no significant differences in hatch rates of eggs fertilized with fresh sperm (54±29%) or cryopreserved sperm (41±35%). Survival to first feeding was not different between fish produced with fresh sperm (37±30%; range, 0–86%) or with thawed sperm (24±29%; 0–77%). Transport of sperm to a cryopreservation laboratory and back to a hatchery for thawing and use enabled collaboration between groups with specific expertise and provides a model for the application of cryopreservation by transport of fresh and frozen samples.     

Some properties of bream Abramis brama L. sperm and its cryopreservation

Concentration and motility of spermatozoa, total protein content and its electrophoretic profile, glucose content, activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) and acid phosphatase (AcP) were assessed in 18 samples of semen from common bream Abramis brama L. males, which were hormonally stimulated to spermiation. Also, milt pooled from four donors was cryopreserved as pellets in vapours of liquid nitrogen (?80 °C) using four extenders (each with or without the addition of hen egg yolk). Mean spermatozoa concentration was 11.68 × 10⁹ mL^?1, and mean spermatozoa motility was about 60%. Protein content in seminal plasma was 2.08 mg mL^?1; both PAGE and SDS–PAGE showed considerable heterogeneity of protein fractions. Mean glucose content was over 11 mg%. AspAT and AcP activities were detected in both seminal plasma and spermatozoa extracts. As calculated to 1 × 10⁹ spermatozoa, AcP and AspAT activities were almost sixfold and 46-fold higher in spermatozoa than in seminal plasma respectively. In the best variant, cryopreservation attempts resulted in 66.6% of eyed embryos (compared with control fertilization) obtained after fertilization of eggs with cryopreserved semen.     

Breeding and juvenile culture of the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus Perry, 1810

All seahorse species worldwide have been placed under CITES Appendix II since 2004, because they have been over-exploited for traditional Chinese medicine and aquarium trades. Aquaculture has been recognized as a long-term solution for sustaining the seahorse trade while minimizing wild collection. In this study, we evaluated the breeding and juvenile culture of an important aquarium seahorse species, the lined seahorse Hippocampus erectus, Perry 1810. Pairing, mating and copulation behavior were observed. Gestation time and brood size were 17.33 ± 2.94 days and 272.33 ± 66.45 individuals/brood, respectively. Growth rates differed among juveniles from different broods. Effects of temperature on the growth rates and survivorship of the juveniles during the first two weeks were compared. The highest growth rate and survivorship of the juveniles occurred at 28–29 °C among the temperatures tested (24–33 °C). Growth rate and survivorship of the juveniles during the first 9 weeks at 28 °C were investigated. The final standard length and survivorship of the juveniles were 6.32 ± 0.52 cm and 71.11 ± 10.18%, respectively, and the relationship between the wet weight and the standard length of the juvenile seahorses can be expressed as: W = 0.0034 L^2.5535 (r² = 0.9903, n = 12, P < 0.01). These findings suggest that H. erectus is a good candidate for commercial aquaculture.     

Factors Affecting Cryopreservation Efficiency and Enzyme Activity in Northern Pike,Esox lucius,Sperm

Abstract

Two freezing techniques (straws and pellets), three cryo-protectants (DMSO, glycerol, and DMA) in four concentrations, and several extenders were tested to determine their suitability for cryopreservation of northern pike, Esox iucius, sperm. Activity of aspar-tate aminotransferase (AspAT) and acid phosphatase (AcP) in cryo-preserved milt was determined. Fertilization ability of cryopreserved milt was affected by the freezing technique, by type and concentration of cryoprotectant, as well as by the kind of extender used. These factors also influenced AspAT and AcP activity assayed in cryopreserved sperm. Extender containing 0.6 M sucrose + 15% DMSO + 10% egg yolk was most suitable for cryopreservation of pike sperm in pellet form (90.5% of eyed eggs, as compared to control group, which was 89.1%).     

Cryopreservation of sperm in marine fish

Since the first work of Blaxter in 1953, fish sperm cryopreservation has been attempted on about 30 marine species. The present paper reviews the techniques used and the results published in these species. Particular attention is paid to the handling procedure of sperm before freezing, the problems of semen ageing and semen contamination with urine. The quality of frozen–thawed semen was evaluated using previously standardized biotests, such as a two‐step motility activation technique adapted for the different species and fertilization assays using a discriminating insemination technique. Most extenders used in marine fish are saline or sugar solutions. From the investigated cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) generally leads to the best results. Cooling rates range from 8 °C to 99 °C min^?1; the thawing rate is generally high. Compared with freshwater species, a high percentage of spermatozoa survives cryopreservation. Therefore, and because of the simplicity of the techniques, the cryopreservation of marine fish sperm is suited for application in aquaculture.     

An Efficient Methodology for Cryopreservation of Spermatozoa of Red Seabream, Pagrus major, with 2-mL Cryovials

The aim of this study was to optimize the cryopreservation protocols for the sperm of red seabream, Pagrus major. The 2‐mL cryovials and programmable freezer were employed for cryopreservation. Six extenders, six cryoprotectants in various concentrations ranging from 6 to 20% (v/v), four cooling rates, and three thawing temperatures were evaluated by postthaw sperm motility and fertility. The ratio of sperm to egg for postthaw sperm fertilization trials was experimentally standardized and was optimal at 500:1. The best motility of postthaw sperm (79.4 ± 4.7% to 88.6 ± 8.0%), fertilization rates (89.6 ± 2.9 to 95.6 ± 1.9%), and hatching rates (85.3 ± 5.1% to 91.4 ± 4.3%) were achieved when Cortland extender, dimethyl sulfoxide (15, 18, and 20%) or ethylene glycol (9, 12%) as cryoprotectants, 20 C/min as the cooling rate, and 40 C as the thawing temperature were employed. Moreover, the results on embryonic development were not significantly different between cryopreserved sperm and fresh sperm during incubation process. In conclusion, these methods of cryopreservation of red seabream sperm are suitable for routine aquaculture application and preservation of genetic resources.     

Cryopreservation of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) sperm

A simple and convenient method for the cryopreservation of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) sperm was tested in the present study. The highest motility (76.7±2.9%) of post‐thawing sperm was obtained in 15% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) with a 1:9 dilution (semen volume to DMSO volume) when 0.5 mL semen–DMSO mixture was frozen at 6 cm above liquid N₂ in a closed styrofoam box. After thawing, sperm cryopreserved in glycerol almost lost motility entirely. Although there was no significant difference in percentage of motile sperm between 15% and 20% DMSO, the duration of sperm motility of 15% DMSO group was longer than that of 20% DMSO group. The motility of post‐thawing sperm enhanced when the dilution ratio of semen increased from 1:1 to 1:9. Morphological changes such as the loss of mitochondria, swollen plasma membrane and broken or rolled‐up tails were observed in post‐thawing sperm using an eosin–nigrosin staining. The fertility of cryopreserved sperm was significantly lower than that of unfrozen sperm. The 10‐fold increase in sperm to egg ratio resulted in double fertility for cryopreserved sperm, and about 70% fertility relative to the control.     

Cryopreservation of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) sperm: effects of cryoprotectants,antioxidant, membrane stabilizer,equilibration time and dilution ratio on sperm motility and fertility

Three experiments were performed to develop protocols for cryopreservation of Persian sturgeon Acipenser persicus, sperm. In the first experiment, sperm from six males was individually split in three subsamples and cryopreserved using Modified Tsvetkova's extender (mT) supplemented with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), methanol (MeOH), glycerol (Gly) and ethylene glycol (EG) at concentration of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. In the second set of experiments, the effects of six equilibration times (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 min) and dilution ratios (volume sperm: volume extender 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:5 and 1:10) and the additive advantage of bovine serum albumin (BSA; 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg mL^?1) and ascorbic acid (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 U mL^?1), on the post‐thaw survival of sperm (triplicate set of six fish) were evaluated. Then, sperm was diluted in 1:1 mT extender with 10 mg mL^?1 BSA with selected cryoprotectants (15% MeOH and 10% DMSO) for 5 min. After a month of storage in liquid nitrogen, post‐thawed sperm motility; fertilization and hatching rate and viability of derived larvae were measured (Exp.3). Evaluation of cryoprotectants efficiency showed that MeOH 15% and DMSO 10% were suitable for cryopreservation of Persian sturgeon sperm. Gly and EG resulted in very low post‐thaw motility rates even at lowest concentration. No significant difference was observed among the four different equilibration times (0, 5, 10, 20 min) (P > 0.05) although higher equilibration times than 20 min resulted low post‐thaw motility (P < 0.05). The motility of frozen–thawed sperm did not significantly change when dilution ratio was increased from 1:0.5 to 1:3 (P > 0.05). However, higher dilution ratios (1:5 and 1:10) reduced the percentage of motile sperm. Supplementation of the cryoprotectant solution with 10 mg mL^?1 BSA significantly improved post‐thaw motility (P < 0.05), but ascorbic acid did not improve post‐thaw motility (P > 0.05). The results of experiment 3 showed that the highest fertilization (30.2 ± 5.75) and hatching rates (28.2 ± 5.25) were observed when samples were frozen with 15% MeOH (P > 0.05). Our study indicates that the use of mT extender consisting of 10 mg mL^?1 BSA in 15% MeOH diluted with sperm at 1:1 ratio for 5 min can be recommended cryopreservation method for Persian sturgeon sperm.