70 JUNE 2025 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) occurs naturally throughout Africa and the Middle East (Snoeks et al., 2012) yet it represents a key species in aquaculture as it is in increasing demand due to its nutritious meat along with fast growth (Heikal et al., 2024) and its ideal qualities for hatchery management. Fish farmers mostly focus on egg and fry quality but normally pay inadequate attention to sperm quality which is essential for successful fertilization. Higher fertilization rates become possible when sperm quality is optimal leading to improved production of viable embryos with better hatchability, healthy and growth (Torsabo et al., 2024). Sperm potency indicates the level at which sperm cells successfully perform fertilization of eggs. Sperm quality assessment begins from its effective fertilization properties since these characteristics control the development trajectory of embryos as researched by Ciereszko et al. (2020). Different aspects of seminal fluid content combined with milt volume along with sperm concentrations and swimming ability determine the successful outcome of fertilization. Sperm viability represents an essential fertility determination factor since dead sperm at high percentages reduce the fertilization ability of sperm cells (Brzyszcz et al., 2024). The broodstock’s biological characteristics together with their physiological condition directly affect sperm viability and motility alongside fertilization potential (Ciereszko et al., 2020). Broodstock rearing conditions which include water quality and nutritional aspects directly influence sperm development together with reproductive outcomes (Torsabo et al., 2024). The quality of sperm receives effects from artificial spawning procedures through hormonal stimulations since these methods control spermiation timing and operational efficiency (Cheng et al., 2024). Seasonal variations in spawning patterns cause sperm quality changes because environmental signals such as photoperiod and temperature changes influence peak fertility in specific times (Brzyszcz et al., 2024). The composition of extenders or diluent solutions used for sperm preservation together with the duration of milt storage determine how long sperm remain viable and how effective they will be (Egwenomhe et al., 2020). Sperm motility and viability decline when storage conditions are not appropriate since osmotic stress combines with cellular damage (Moshiur et al., 2022). High fertilization success rates in aquaculture require complete knowledge of these factors for optimal artificial breeding technique development and execution. Normal saline is the main solution used to dilute sperm in numerous aquaculture operations. Sperm morphology remains a poorly studied factor in quality assessment even though proper structural form provides both necessary movement and fertilization success. Anne et al. (2016), describes normal saline solution as a sterilized saltwater solution commonly used in biological applications. The most widely recognized form consists of 9 g of sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolved in 1 liter of water (Madu, 1989). Beyond its medical and laboratory uses, normal saline is also employed in aquaculture, particularly for milt preservation and fertilization procedures. It serves as a medium for transporting homogenates and has been effectively used in various fertilization methods, even in the dry method of spawning, a few drops of normal saline are added to facilitate sperm activation (Ankakali et al., 2011). Orjie et al. (1997) further demonstrated that saline solution plays a role in inducing spawning in Solea senegalensis, highlighting its importance in reproductive processes. Additionally, saline solution is widely used for preserving animal cells, including fish sperm, by maintaining cellular integrity and extending motility duration (Zhou, 2024). Experimental studies on fish sperm and roe have shown that normal saline helps preserve flagellar structure, thereby enhancing sperm motility over time. Consequently, many researchers prefer saline solutions over tap water for activating spermatozoa, as they provide a more stable osmotic environment conducive to sperm longevity (Kalbassi et al., 2007). However, the optimal concentration and application rates of normal saline in fish reproductive procedures remain topics of ongoing research, with variations in usage reported across different studies. (Tavares and Dias, 2022). However, there is limited research on the effects of extended stay of Clarias gariepinus semen in saline water and how it affects the semen’s ability to fertilize eggs. Egwenomhe et al., (2020) conducted an experiment to study the effect of dilution ration on the Effect of Application of Normal Saline Solution on the Efficacy of Milt of Clarias gariepinus Egwenomhe Marinus and Oghenevwairhe Emefe FIGURE 1. Broodstock holding tanks.
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