Effects of Seminal Plasma Composition on Sperm Motility in Mirror Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This research provides data concerning the biochemical (ionic and organic) composition of sperm of the mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) and its relationship to spermatozoa motility. Seminal plasma contained 67.12±1.06 mM/l Na+, 105.1±2.24 mM/l K+, 7.85±0.67 mg/dl Ca2+, 2.61±0.11 mEq/l Mg2+, 0.14±0.002 g/dl total protein, 10.3±1.01 mg/dl triglyceride, 6.83±0.72 mg/dl cholesterol, and 54.72±3.49 mg/dl urea. A positive relationship (p<0.05) was determined between Na+ and motility (r = 0.522). On the other hand, Ca2+, K+, and Mg2+ ions negatively correlated (p>0.05) with motility (r = -0.565, r = -0.160, and r = -0.184, respectively). Spermatozoa motility correlated negatively (p>0.05) with protein (r = -0.233), triglyceride (r = -0.348), and urea (r = -0.331) but positively with cholesterol (r = 0.012). This information will help to develop cryopreservation procedures, to meet species-specific extender requirements, and to optimize artificial fertilization procedures in mirror carp. Introduction Gamete management is key to achieving high fertilization success in fish farms (Billard et al. 1995). Studies on sperm physiology can provide basic knowledge for managing fertilization (Alavi and Cosson, 2005). For controlled and successful production in aquaculture systems, it is necessary to have adequate knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of the milt to determine the reproductive ability of cultivated fish. The ionic and organic constituents of the seminal fluid can indicate fish fertilization capacity (Ciereszko et al., 2000). * Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]