Preservation of rainbow trout eggs and embryos using a perfluorochemical

The objective of this study was to maintain viability of unfertilized, fertilized and eyed eggs of rainbow trout during storage using fluorocarbon (FC) as an oxygen carrier, to allow more flexibility in the reproductive management of salmonids.

For the unfertilized eggs, we were able to differentiate between water-hardened eggs and those that were not water-hardened (P < 0.001) and, therefore, we used this method to estimate the viability of unfertilized eggs during storage.

In order to select a storage medium for unfertilized eggs that does not trigger water-hardening before fertilization but promotes maximal fertility, eggs were tested in: D-532, Fish Ringer's, Stoss's solution or water. Overall, eggs in Stoss's solution were found to have the lowest water-hardening and the highest fertility percentages; therefore, Stoss's solution was used in subsequent trials.

We have demonstrated that the use of oxygenated PC can benefit the aquaculture industry by maintaining the viability of rainbow trout eggs during storage or shipment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).