Characteristics of Siberian sturgeon and sterlet sperm motility parameters compared using CASA [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

Abstract

Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) was used to evaluate and compare the sperm motility parameters of Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii Brandt (n=15), and sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus L. (n=15). Analysis indicated a higher percentage of motile sperm (MOT) in the sterlet semen (44.8%) than in that of the Siberian sturgeon (41.3%). The sperm of the two species studied were similar with regard to velocity, and similarities were also noted with regard to average path velocity VAP (97.6 and 102.4 µm s-1), curvilinear velocity VCL (121.9 and 119.9 µm s-1), and straight line velocity VSL (82.5 and 86.8 µm s-1). Using the CASA system permitted making precise evaluations of the sperm motility of the two fish species studied, and thus also permitted determining the potential suitability of the semen for use in sturgeon reproduction.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

P. Sieczyński
Infertility Treatment Center Kriobank, Bialystok, Poland
J. Glogowski
Department of Ichthyology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Fisheries, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research
Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
B.I. Cejko [+]
Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research
Polish Academy of Sciences
ul. Bydgoska 7, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
Tel. +48 89 539 31 33; e-mail: b.cejko@pan.olsztyn.pl
C. Grygoruk
Center for Reproductive Medicine Bocian, Białystok, Poland