Seminal plasma features of Prochilodus lineatus and Brycon orbignyanus throughout two consecutives spawning seasons

Abstract

This study aims to describe seminal plasma characteristics, detect changes during and between two consecutive spawning seasons (SS), and compare plasma features between two important South American fish species. Prochilodus lineatus and Brycon orbignyanus sperm was collected over two (SS1; SS2). Each season was divided into first and second sampling periods (P1; P2). Thus, the four experimental periods were referred to as SS1P1, SS1P2, SS2P1, and SS2P2. Seminal plasma was analyzed for osmolality, pH, and Na+, K+, and Ca2+ concentration. Additionally, sperm concentration, motility rate, and velocities (curvilinear = VCL; straight line = VSL) were determined and correlated with plasma features. In P. lineatus, plasma osmolality was lower in SS1P2, pH was higher in SS2P2, Na+ was higher and K+ and Ca2+ were lower in SS2P1 compared with other experimental periods. Positive correlations were observed between motility and plasma osmolality, motility and Na+, and VCL and Na+. In B. orbignyanus, plasma osmolality was higher in SS2P1 and SS2P2 and K+ concentration was higher in SS1P1 compared with other experimental periods; no correlation was observed. Seminal plasma parameters change during SS; therefore, the composition of a sperm extender and artificial fertilization methods should be adapted to maximize fertilization rates.

Sperm cryopreservation of Prochilodus lineatus throughout the same reproductive season

“…Although seminal plasma osmolality and pH are important sperm quality indicators (Kowalski & Cejko, 2019), these parameters were not associated with the other sperm quality markers evaluated in this work. The maintenance of seminal plasma osmolality and pH between 296.33–350.40 mOsm/kg, and 8.45–8.95, respectively, during the season characterizes the values usually observed for the species (Viveiros, Di Chiacchio, et al, 2019; Viveiros et al, 2016), thus providing a good environment for spermatozoa performance. The ionic composition of P. lineatus seminal plasma fluctuated throughout the reproductive period, and this has also been reported by Viveiros, Di Chiacchio, et al (2019) in this species and in Brycon orbignyanus , whereas Kuradomi et al (2016) found no differences in Piaractus mesopotamicus .…”

“…Furthermore, seasonal changes in seminal plasma osmolality have been reported in C. carpio and D. labrax (Cejko et al, 2018; Martínez‐Páramo, Diogo, Beirão, et al, 2012), and changes in seminal plasma pH have been described during the reproductive period of C. carpio (Cejko et al, 2018). Seasonal changes in sperm concentration have been reported in S. dumerili , C. carpio , S. namaycush and D. labrax (Cejko et al, 2018; Fakriadis & Mylonas, 2021; Johnson et al, 2013; Martínez‐Páramo, Diogo, Beirão, et al, 2012), and in the neotropical fish Brycon orbignyanus (Viveiros, Di Chiacchio, et al, 2019). Importantly, variations of seminal plasma constituents throughout the reproductive period have been associated with external factors and sperm characteristics (Cejko et al, 2018; Martínez‐Páramo, Diogo, Beirão, et al, 2012; Viveiros, Di Chiacchio, et al, 2019).…”

“…Seasonal changes in sperm concentration have been reported in S. dumerili , C. carpio , S. namaycush and D. labrax (Cejko et al, 2018; Fakriadis & Mylonas, 2021; Johnson et al, 2013; Martínez‐Páramo, Diogo, Beirão, et al, 2012), and in the neotropical fish Brycon orbignyanus (Viveiros, Di Chiacchio, et al, 2019). Importantly, variations of seminal plasma constituents throughout the reproductive period have been associated with external factors and sperm characteristics (Cejko et al, 2018; Martínez‐Páramo, Diogo, Beirão, et al, 2012; Viveiros, Di Chiacchio, et al, 2019).…”

“…The annual migration and spawn of the P. lineatus occur during the rainy months when water levels rise, water temperatures are higher, and the day length is longer (Vazzoler et al, 1997). During the reproductive period, P. lineatus male and female characteristics change, and likewise, fresh gamete and seminal plasma features exhibit seasonal variation (Hardt et al, 2006; Silva et al, 2009; Viveiros et al, 2019).…”