Effects of Seminal Plasma Composition on Sperm Motility in Mirror Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

This research provides data concerning the biochemical (ionic and organic) composition of sperm of the mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) and its relation- ship to spermatozoa motility. Seminal plasma contained 67.12±1.06 mM/l Na+, 105.1±2.24 mM/l K+, 7.85±0.67 mg/dl Ca2+, 2.61±0.11 mEq/l Mg2+, 0.14±0.002 g/dl total protein, 10.3±1.01 mg/dl triglyceride, 6.83±0.72 mg/dl cholesterol, and 54.72±3.49 mg/dl urea. A positive relationship (p<0.05) was determined between Na+ and motility (r = 0.522). On the other hand, Ca2+, K+, and Mg2+ ions negatively correlated (p>0.05) with motility (r = -0.565, r = -0.160, and r = -0.184, respectively). Spermatozoa motility correlated negatively (p>0.05) with protein (r = -0.233), triglyceride (r = -0.348), and urea (r = -0.331) but positively with cholesterol (r = 0.012). This information will help to develop cryopreservation procedures, to meet species-specific extender requirements, and to optimize artificial fertilization procedures in mirror carp.