Ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for monitoring reproductive physiology in male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Abstract We examined the potential for ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for maturation monitoring in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) males. Ultrasound examination and measurements were compared to common practices for maturation monitoring such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), sex hormone analysis, and h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physiological Reports
Main Authors: Ingun Næve, Maren Mommens, Augustine Arukwe, Jonni Virtanen, Md. Enamul Hoque, Elin Kjørsvik
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2019
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14167
https://doaj.org/article/bc26c0b2cd3f40b08aaee813d6684012
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Summary:Abstract We examined the potential for ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for maturation monitoring in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) males. Ultrasound examination and measurements were compared to common practices for maturation monitoring such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), sex hormone analysis, and histological analysis of spermatogenesis. There were significant correlations (R2 = 0.68, P < 0.01) between ultrasound‐based measurements of the left testis and total testes weight and GSI, and ultrasound could be used for noninvasive GSI measurements. Echogenicity of ultrasound images corresponded to the histological stages observed, which added nuance to ultrasound‐based GSI measurements during final weeks preceding stripping. We propose that ultrasound can be used as an alternative to more invasive methods for sexual maturation monitoring in wild and farmed Atlantic salmon males. Using ultrasound technology, we have established a quick and noninvasive method that could reduce the number of stressful handlings and unwanted sacrifice of broodfish required for maturation monitoring in Atlantic salmon males.