| Abstract: | This study was designed to optimize the chilled storage method for banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) spermatophores and evaluate the potential of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) extract on the reduction in bacterial contaminants during spermatophore preservation due to the uncertainty of the broodstock. Spermatophores were suspended in five extenders: mineral oil, Ringer's solution, phosphate buffer, calcium‐free saline and 0.8% NaCl and stored at 2–4°C. During a 28‐day storage, spermatophores stored in mineral oil showed the highest sperm viability (89.1%) and intact morphology with a slight formation of hardened adhesive matrices. The effect of moringa extract was investigated on chilled spermatophores. Spermatophores were suspended in mineral oil (the control) and mineral oil containing either penicillin–streptomycin (0.1%) or moringa extract (0.1 mg/ml) during a 28‐day storage. Supplementation of moringa extract resulted in a significant increase (p < .05) in sperm survival, compared to the control, and a complete elimination of culturable Vibrio (Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio mimicus and Vibrio furnissii), Staphylococcus kloosii, Bacillus macerans, Listeria ivanovii, Corynebacterium paurometabolum and Corynebacterium bovis, in chilled spermatophores. Chilled storage of spermatophores in mineral oil containing moringa extract was a promising technique due to the inhibition of shrimp and human pathogens without the spermicidal effect on banana shrimp sperm. |
