Extended in vitro storage of eggs and milt increases maternal but not paternal variation in embryo viability of landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar m. sebago)

Abstract Appropriate fertilization practices play a crucial role in the maintenance of genetic diversity within captive fish broodstocks. We assessed influence vitro storage gametes (0-, 7- and 14-days post-stripping) at 1 °C on ovarian fluid pH, sperm motility, embryo viability critically endangered Finnish landlocked salmon ( Salmo salar m. sebago ) population. A repeated full-factorial design used both sperm-ovarian activation analyses fertilizations allowed us to separate effects female, male their interaction gamete quality survival across times. The pH decreased most significantly during first week showed considerable variation among females. decrease motility varied males, females male–female (sperm-ovarian fluid) combinations. mean proportion viable embryos was initially 96.4%, but dropped 45.5% after 7 days, 13.1% 14 days storage. Embryo responses time predominantly increased among- within-female also major differences between female × combinations (non-additive effects). Interestingly, virtually complete re-ranking (change order) full-sib families two times r s = − 0.03) consistency last 0.59). Overall, our results indicate that even when primary aim is maximize populations, it may be advisable prioritize minimal egg rather than maximizing number parental fertilizations.