We are pleased to share insights into the latest technological developments and the solutions that help producers optimize reproductive performance within the aquaculture industry. To explore this topic, we spoke with Soledad Francke, Product Manager Aquaculture at IMV Technologies and a specialist in reproductive technologies for aquatic species.

Advancing reproductive technologies

According to Soledad, the most significant technological advances are currently taking place in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout production. These sectors make extensive use of genetic selection programs, artificial fertilization, and automated egg quality assessment.

"The aquaculture industry is becoming increasingly professionalized," mentions Soledad. "Companies are investing more heavily in reproductive technologies because genetic quality and fertilization performance have a direct impact on production efficiency, profitability, and sustainability."

Milt quality, motility, and sperm velocity

The evaluation of semen quality is becoming increasingly important for breeding operations and reproduction programs. "In many species, eggs represent a greater biological and economic value than semen," explains Soledad. "That is why it is essential to ensure that only high-quality males are selected before fertilization takes place."

One of the major challenges in aquaculture reproduction is the extremely short motility period of sperm cells. In salmonids, sperm motility often remains active for only about 30 seconds after activation by water. As a result, accurate and rapid analysis is crucial.

A particularly important parameter is VCL (Curvilinear Velocity). This measurement provides insight into sperm motility and helps predict the duration of the fertilizing capacity. To perform these analyses reliably, NIFA works with the SCI Microptic CASA system. This system enables objective sperm quality assessment and helps producers achieve measurable improvements in reproductive performance.

"Many companies still assess motility visually under a microscope," explains Soledad. "However, visual evaluation remains subjective and operator-dependent. CASA systems allow you to collect data, profile males, and make reproduction programs far more consistent."

In addition to CASA solutions, a range of complementary products is available for aquaculture reproduction, including:

• StorFish – for milt storage, dilution, and preservation of milt quality, and has proven to be a leading performer in the market.
• ActiFish – an activation medium for freshwater species, providing not only buffer and ionic composition but extended motility to the spermatozoa.
• Specialised Leja slides for accurate milt analysis.
• Automated cryopreservation solutions.
• Equipment for automated egg sorting.

Ultrasound in aquaculture

Alongside sperm analysis, the use of ultrasonography is also growing rapidly within aquaculture for a large variety of species. IMV Technologies has developed a range of imaging solutions used for:

• sex determination in juvenile fish;
• monitoring gonadal development;
• oocyte quality assessment;
• broodstock management;
• monitoring reproductive maturation.

These technologies are daily applied in species such as salmon, trout, sturgeon, and carp. Ultrasound can be used, for example, to identify female salmon at an early stage and to monitor gonadal development accurately. This application is also becoming increasingly important in rainbow trout production, despite challenges associated with varying fat levels and individual biological variation.

Tailored technology for aquaculture

Although we are best known within the farm animal and equine reproduction sectors, we also offer a comprehensive portfolio for the aquaculture industry. Through these solutions, NIFA supports producers, breeders, and research institutions focused on reproductive optimization, genetic improvement, and data-driven production.

"If you want to improve, you first need to measure," emphasizes Soledad. "Data and objective analysis provide the foundation for improved fertility, higher survival rates, and stronger genetic programs."

With solutions for sperm analysis, imaging, cryopreservation, and reproductive monitoring, we help our customers further professionalize their breeding and reproduction programs. Please feel free to contact us for additional information or tailored advice.