Induced spermiation in 3-year-old sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus L.

Spermiation in 3-year-old sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus (L.), males maintained under warm water conditions was induced by intramuscular injection of either (i) (D-Ala6)-GnRH-ProNHEt (Kobarelin); (ii) mammalian GnRH analogue+metoclopramide (Ovopel); or (iii) human chorionic gonadotropin (Biogonadyl). The volume of milt, sperm concentration and motility were measured. A higher percentage of spermiating males was obtained after Kobarelin or Ovopel treatment (81.8% and 77.7% respectively) in comparison with fish treated with Biogonadyl (40.0%). However, only stimulation with Ovopel guaranteed motile spermatozoa in all spermiating males. Moreover, treatment with Ovopel resulted in the highest average milt volume, sperm concentration and motility. The average total number of motile spermatozoa (milt volume×sperm concentration×sperm motility) per individual was 0.99×10^9, 5.31×10^9 and 0.02×10^9 after stimulation with Kobarelin, Ovopel or Biogonadyl respectively. Our data indicate that Ovopel is a good stimulator of spermation in sturgeons. Moreover, the time of sexual maturation could be significantly reduced in sturgeons maintained in cages under warm water conditions.