Effect of Certain Factors on the Motility and Short-Term Preservation of Spermatozoa of Osphronenus gorami

Biological properties and quality of semen of the endangered fish, Osphronemtis gorami were evaluated by determining the milt volume, spermatozoa concentration, percentage viability and duration of motility. The organic (sugar, cholesterol and protein) and inorganic constituents (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium) in the seminal plasma were analyzed. Among the three activating media used, fertilizing solution was found to be the ideal medium for sperm activation. The duration of spermatozoan motility was maximum at 8.75 x 10"' salinity and at pH 8.0. Duration of motility was longer at lower temperatures and longest at 15° C. The fresh oxygenated milt of O. gorami could be stored in eppendorff tubes at 4° C in the refrigerator for seven days. The duration of motility and percentage viability of the spermatozoa were considerably enhanced by storing semen in oxygen than storage in air Short-term preservation of undiluted oxygenated semen was found to be significantly better than storage using extenders.