Effect of temperature on short-term storage of eggs and sperm of chum salmon ( Oncorhynchus keta)

Chum salmon ( Oncorhynchus keta) gametes were stored separately for intervals up to 460 h at temperatures ranging from 3 to 15°C. Estimates of time to 90 and 50% fertilization success (FS) were obtained for either stored eggs, stored milt, or stored eggs and milt. When both gametes were stored, the combined loss of gamete viability resulted in shorter times to 90 and 50% FS than when either eggs or milt were stored alone. Gamete storage at colder temperatures significantly prolonged viability; for example, when both gametes were stored, the time to 90% FS ranged from 19.6 h (15°C) to 123.9 h (3°C). Loss of viability of stored gametes in these trials was similar to that found in other studies with Oncorhynchus species at low storage temperatures (3–6°C), but gametes showed significantly greater viability when stored at higher temperatures (9–15°C). This increased viability in the current study appears to have resulted from the provision of (1) higher air-to-gamete ratios, and (2) greater interface area between air and gametes in the storage containers, two factors that would enhance gamete respiration during storage.