Data-driven reproduction is the key to successful fishing
The fishing industry is growing rapidly worldwide. Whilst reproductive technology has been standard practice in cattle, pig and horse farming for many years, we are now seeing the same trend becoming increasingly prevalent in the fishing industry. From salmon and trout to mussels, oysters and other species: reproduction, genetics and quality control are becoming increasingly important for sustainable and efficient production.
We are keen to provide you with an insight into rapid technological developments and the solutions that enable producers to optimise their reproduction results within the aquaculture sector. To this end, we spoke to Soledad Francke, Product Manager for Aquaculture at IMV Technologies and a specialist in reproduction technology within the aquaculture sector.
Advances in reproductive technology
According to Soledad, the most significant technological developments are currently taking place in the Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout sectors. These sectors make extensive use of genetic selection programmes, artificial insemination and automated quality control of eggs.
“The aquaculture sector is becoming much more professional,” says Soledad. “Companies are investing more and more in reproduction technology, because the quality of genetics and fertilisation has a direct impact on production, yield and sustainability.”
Spleen quality, motility and movement speed
The analysis of semen quality is becoming increasingly important for breeders and breeding programmes. “In many species, the value of oocytes is higher than that of sperm,” explains Soledad. “That’s why you want to be absolutely certain that you’re working with high-quality males before fertilisation takes place.”
One of the biggest challenges in the aquaculture sector is the extremely short duration of sperm motility. In salmonids, motility often lasts for only 30 seconds after the sperm is activated by water. This makes accurate and rapid analysis essential.
In this context, the VCL (Curvilinear Velocity) parameter plays a particularly important role. This value provides insight into the speed of sperm motility and helps predict how long fertility will be maintained. To carry out these analyses reliably, NIFA works with, amongst other things, the SCI Microptic CASA system. This system enables an objective analysis of sperm quality and helps breeders to measurably improve reproductive outcomes.
“Many companies still assess motility visually under a microscope,” says Soledad. “But that remains subjective and dependent on the operator. With CASA systems, you can collect data, profile male animals and make reproduction much more consistent.”
In addition to CASA solutions, there are also complementary products for aquarium reproduction, including:
- StorFish – for storage, dilution and preservation of milk quality, with a proven track record of market-leading performance.
- ActiFish – an activation medium for freshwater species, which not only ensures the correct buffer and ion composition, but also enhances sperm motility.
- Specialised Leja slides for accurate soil analysis.
- Solutions for automated cryopreservation.
- Equipment for the automated sorting of egg cells.
Ultrasound in aquaculture
In addition to semen analysis, the use of ultrasound in aquaculture is also growing rapidly across a wide range of species. IMV Technologies develops a variety of imaging solutions for this purpose, which are used for applications including:
- sex determination in young fish;
- monitoring of gonadal development (sex glands);
- assessment of egg quality;
- breeding stock/parent stock management;
- monitoring of ripening processes.
The technology is used on a daily basis with salmon, trout, sturgeon and carp, amongst others. For example, ultrasound scans of female salmon allow for early identification and accurate monitoring of gonadal development. Imaging is also playing an increasingly important role in rainbow trout, despite the challenges posed by fat levels and variation between individual fish.
Customised technology for the aquaculture sector
Although we are best known in the livestock and equine sectors, we also offer a wide range of products for the fisheries sector. In this way, NIFA supports producers, breeders and research centres committed to optimising reproduction, genetic progress and data-driven production.
“If you want to improve, you first need to be able to measure,” Soledad emphasises. “Data and objective analysis form the basis for better fertility, higher survival rates and stronger genetic programmes.”
With solutions for semen analysis, imaging, cryopreservation and reproductive monitoring, we help our clients to further professionalise their reproductive processes. Please feel free to contact us for more information and bespoke solutions.
