Short-term semen storage of the Bulatmai barbel (Luciobarbus capito) for conservation programs

In aquaculture, short-term sperm storage is crucial for selective breeding programs since it helps synchronize gamete availability, enables controlled fertilization, and aids in genetic management and conservation efforts. In the present study, the percentage of motile sperm (MP) and motility time (MT) in the Bulatmai barbel (Luciobarbus capito) were evaluated after chilled storage for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours at 4 °C. Samples were collected from five mature males with an average weight of 1910.0 ± 420.4 g. Before any manipulation, fish were anesthetized using clove powder extract. Sperm was collected using a sterile syringe by applying gentle pressure to the abdominal region. Each sperm sample (0.5 mL) was stored in plastic tubes at 4 °C. The results indicated significant differences in MP at all intervals after chilled storage compared to the initial sampling (P < 0.05). A considerable reduction in the MT was observed starting at 72 hours after chilled storage compared to the initial time (P < 0.05). All samples remained active for up to 48 hours following storage. The results indicated that sperm quality significantly declines even after 24 hours in chilled storage (with a 24% reduction in active spermatozoa). Future studies should investigate various storage media to assess their potential for extending the duration of sperm preservation under specific storage conditions. Considering the significance of broodstock management, it is recommended to limit the storage of Bulatmai barbel sperm samples to a maximum of 24 hours for controlled reproduction purposes.