Background: Triploidy induction is widely employed in aquaculture to produce sterile fish, offering potential benefits such as enhanced growth and improved market control. However, induced triploidy is frequently associated with skeletal deformities, which pose a threat to fish welfare and reduce commercial viability. Optimizing induction protocols is essential to mitigate these negative effects.
Methods: Triploidy was induced in fertilized eggs of Schizothorax richardsonii using hydrostatic pressure shocks of 5000, 6000, and 7000 psi, applied for either 3 or 5 minutes at 12 minutes post-fertilization. Ploidy status was verified through cytogenetic analysis. At 75 days post-hatching, vertebral deformities were assessed via morphological examination. Deformity rates were statistically compared across treatment groups and against untreated diploid controls.
Results: The treatment of 5000 psi for 5 minutes produced the highest triploidy induction rate. All triploid groups exhibited significantly higher vertebral deformity rates compared to diploid controls. The maximum recorded deformity rate was 3.5 ± 0.13% in the 7000 psi / 5 minute group, whereas diploid controls showed no deformities (0.0%). Our findings revealed that deformities increased with rising pressure intensity or prolonged exposure.
Conclusion: Triploidy induction in S. richardsonii has significant potential for enhancing aquaculture production, but it also increases the risk of skeletal deformities. These deformities can adversely affect fish survival, marketability, and production costs. To improve the commercial feasibility and ethical standards of triploid fish farming, further research should focus on optimizing induction parameters and investigating alternative methods to minimize deformities.
triploidy, pressure shock, vertebral deformities, Schizothorax richardsonii, aquaculture, fish health
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