Salmonid production is an important economic sector in Chile, mainly led by Atlantic salmon. Oocyte quality is essential to guarantee the viability of the embryos and their adequate development. This work aimed to evaluate the relationship between oocyte quality, survival and developmental quality of S. salar embryos as possible early biomarkers to be used then in salmon farming. Oocytes were obtained from 17 sexually mature females (8.32 ± 1.99 kg). Then, parameters such as coelomic fluid and, oocyte quality, fertilization rate, developmental quality and survival at 318 accumulated thermal units (ATU) embryos were evaluated and correlated. Oocyte and embryo hardness were also measured.
The 48.3% of the variation was explained by the first two components (Figure 1). Major contributors to the first and second components were the protein concentration of the coelomic fluid (mg/mL) and the hydration percentage, respectively.
Protein concentration (mg/mL), extreme oocyte overripeness, presence of diffuse blastomeres and oocyte symmetry were significantly correlated with fertilization rate, as well as with microphthalmia, spinal malformations and survival at 318 ATU embryos (Figure 2). Coelomic fluid protein concentration could useful as early biomarker of embryo survival and quality of embryo development. Implementing biomarkers in salmon farming is important in order to optimize space for embryo production, making them an auxiliary tool to guarantee the sustainability and success of aquaculture.