Comparative analysis of milt quality in the cultured and wild stocks of endangered Caspian brown trout, <i>Salmo trutta caspius</i>

Abstract

The sperm motility characteristics (percentage of motile spermatozoa and duration of motility) and sperm production (spermatocrit, milt volume and sperm concentration) were measured in order to compare the milt quality between cultured and wild stocks of Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius. Our results showed that cultured brooders produce more dense milt than wild individuals. In contrast, the milt volume, percentage and duration of spermatozoa motility were higher in wild brooders than in cultured individuals. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of captivity condition on milt quality of cultured males of Caspian brown trout.

Keywords: Sperm density, sperm motility, Caspian brown trout