Fertility of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) gametes: Gamete viability in artificial media

Abstract

A series of experiments was performed to test the effect of potassium ions (K+) on the storage of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) sperm cells and eggs. Storage of eggs for up to 10 min in saline solutions, extender with K+ concentrations of ≤3.4 mM and coelomic fluid did not affect fertility. Fish Extender #6 had a detrimental effect on eggs within 15 s of application and reduced fertility to near zero within 10 min. Variation in the K+ concentration indicated that high (≥6.8 mM) concentrations decreased egg fertility while low (≤3.4 mM) concentrations had no effect on fertility. Insemination of eggs before the addition of Fish Extender #6 allowed storage for 14 h. Semen diluted (1:10) in coelomic fluid maintained fertility for 45 s, whereas semen diluted (1:1) in coelomic fluid maintained fertility for 60 min. Fish Extender #6 at K+ concentrations between 0 mM and 68 mM had no effect on fertility of semen diluted 1:2.5 after 1 h of storage. © 1987.