An Extender Solution for the Short-Term Storage of Sturgeon Semen

Abstract

Abstract An extender solution was developed to prolong the time that semen from sturgeons could be stored in the refrigerator, thus greatly improving the artificial propagation of these species for purposes of conservation and commercial aquaculture. Semen from Gulf of Mexico sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi and shortnose sturgeon A. brevirostrum was used to develop the extender media. Fresh semen from sturgeon is traditionally stored whole and undiluted in the refrigerator along with pure oxygen. The fertilizing capacity of semen stored in this manner is usually maintained for 12– 36 h. The mixing of fresh semen with an artificial extender solution significantly (P < 0.05) prolonged the refrigerated storage time of spermatozoa and maintained sperm motility for up to 21–28 d at 4°C. No significant differences in fertilization capacity were observed between fresh semen and semen diluted with the extender and stored from 3 to 18 d.