Application of Computer-assisted Sperm Analysis in Selecting the Suitable Solution for Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio L., Sperm Motility

The common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., sperm motility parameters were analyzed by using computer-assisted sperm analysis system. The percentage of motile sperm (MOT, %), progressively motile sperm (PRG, %), curvilinear velocity (VCL, mu m/sec), average path velocity (VAP, mu m/sec), the wobbling index (WOB, %), movement linearity (LIN, %), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, mu m) were determined. Five activation solutions (As) were used to activate sperm movement. As 1 solution: 68 mM NaCl, 50 mM urea, 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), pH: 7.7, 181 mOsm/kg; As 2 buffer: 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris, 0.5% BSA, pH: 9.0, 199 mOsm/kg; As 3 solution: 86 mM NaCl, 0.5% BSA, pH: 7.4, 167 mOsm/kg; As 4 buffer: 5 mM KCl, 45 mM NaCl, 30 mM Tris, 0.5%, pH: 8.0, 160 mOsm/kg; and As 5 solution: distilled water with the addition of 0.5% BSA, pH: 7.3, <3 mOsm/kg. Among five tested solutions, a buffer with a pH of 9.0 and osmolality of approximately 200 mOsm/kg (As 2) was the most suitable. After its activation, a significant increase in MOT and ALH values was observed, which can be of importance to the effectiveness of egg fertilization.