Ultrasound as a noninvasive tool for monitoring reproductive physiology in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

ABSTRACT: Aiming to explore ultrasound technology as a noninvasive method for maturation monitoring, we compared ultrasound observations and measurements in female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during the last year before ovulation with standard, invasive methods such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonad histology and sex hormone analysis. Ultrasound measurements of ovaries correlated strongly (R > 0.9, P < 0.01) with ovary weight and GSI, and could be used as a noninvasive tool for GSI estimation. Using ultrasound, we were able to identify females with advanced oocyte development and elevated sex hormone and GSI levels earlier than previously observed. Histological studies confirmed these observations showing oocyte yolk accumulation 10 months before ovulation and 8 months before significant increas

SUBMITTER: Naeve I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5936688 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature