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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Aquatic Animal Health Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #410771
Research Project: Integrated Research to Improve Aquatic Animal Health in Warmwater Aquaculture

Location: Aquatic Animal Health Research

Title: Acute thermal stress impacts sperm quality in blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus

Author
item MARTIN, KAYLAN - Auburn University
item Abernathy, Jason
item BARZEGAR-FALLAH, SEPIDEH - Auburn University
item DUNHAM, REX - Auburn University
item LIYANGE, SAMITHA - Auburn University
item ROY, LUKE - Auburn University
item TACKETT, MACKENZIE - Auburn University
item WOOD, KYLE - Auburn University
item BUTTS, IAN - Auburn University

Submitted to: Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/21/2023
Publication Date: 2/18/2024
Citation: Martin, K., Abernathy, J.W., Barzegar-Fallah, S., Dunham, R., Liyange, S., Roy, L., Tackett, M., Wood, K., Butts, I.A. 2024. Acute thermal stress impacts sperm quality in blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus. Aquaculture America[abstract].

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sperm of many aquaculture species are often inadequate in quality/quantity and result in low fertility and offspring viability. This is particularly true for fish that do not release milt via manual-stripping, such as with the commercially important blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), which is mated with female channel catfish (I. punctatus) to produce hybrids that accounts for more than 50% of US catfish production. Pond aquaculture systems are prevalent in the catfish industry, where temperatures can reach upwards of 36C and daily fluctuations of 3-6C are observed. These extreme conditions will likely be intensified by the effects of global climate change. In fish, most studies have focused on how environmental factors influence sires before mating. However, sperm themselves experience fluctuating environments, and potential environmentally and genetically induced changes to sperm have implications on offspring traits. This study investigated how thermal stress impacts sperm quality and whether thermal stress-induced changes in sperm negatively impact offspring performance. Blue catfish sperm from 8 males were placed into temperature blocks at 4C (control), 32C (pond temperature towards the end of spawning), and 36C (pond heatwave). After 0-90 min of temperature exposure, sperm cell health (viability) was assessed. Sperm were activated and kinematics analyzed using Computer Assisted Sperm Analyses software. Sperm exposed to the thermal environments were then used for in vitro fertilization trials, where eggs from three females were fertilized with 9 males (3 females × 3 males each nested in female × 3 temperature exposures × 3 replicates = 81 experimental units). Hatching success was determined. Additionally, fry deformity rate, body weight, and survival were recorded at 30 days post-hatch. Sperm viability decreased over the thermal gradient (P < 0.05), with the lowest viability at 36C after 30, 60, and 90 min of exposure. Sperm motility also declined over the thermal gradient. Offspring performance data from in vitro fertilization trials are currently being analyzed. Data will help predict paternity outcomes in response to environmental stressors.