ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with short-term storage and cryopreservation of fish gametes, chiefly spermatozoa. It discusses some aspects of gamete biology relevant to live preservation of gametes. In cryopreservation of sperm of Rainbow Trout, sperm thawed in solutions of different ionic strength had the highest fertility at the lowest osmolality tested. The clear differences observed in the composition of milt during spawning were considered of significance for development of cryopreservation methods for the sperm. The gene activation properties of Dimethyl sulphoxide have suggested caution in use of this cryoprotectant for human embryos and the possibility of genetic effects in fish cryopreservation requires further investigation. In evaluating the efficacy of cryopreservation procedures it is desirable to estimate post-thaw motility of sperm as a guide to their ability to successfully fertilize. Cryopreservation and storage of diploid spermatozoa from tetraploid males would be a very useful tool in the production of sterile triploid populations and for conservation of genetic resources.
