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

• 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
• Subjects: Animal welfare; histology; male reproduction; sex hormones; ultrasound; Physiology; QP1-981; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14167; https://doaj.org/article/bc26c0b2cd3f40b08aaee813d6684012

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.