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Parent egg collection method
The first step in the artificial breeding of sea cucumbers is to obtain a large quantity of high-quality, mature gametes—sperm and eggs—which is crucial for successful breeding. There are several methods used to collect these gametes, each with its own advantages and challenges.
One common approach is natural spawning, which occurs when the gonads of the sea cucumbers are fully developed. This method is simple and often sufficient for small-scale breeding. However, it can be unpredictable, as spawning typically happens at night or in the evening. If too many eggs or sperm are released, it can lead to poor water quality and damage to the fertilized eggs. Therefore, it's important to have staff on duty during the night to monitor and collect gametes promptly. Excess males or females can also be moved to separate tanks to avoid overproduction.
Another widely used method is artificial stimulation of spawning. Several techniques are available, including temperature changes, ultraviolet (UV) seawater immersion, and dry-trunk water stimulation. The temperature difference method involves gradually increasing or decreasing the water temperature by 5–8°C. This can be done by either directly placing the sea cucumbers in warmer water or by first exposing them to cooler water before warming. The process usually lasts from one hour to overnight, depending on the condition of the individuals.
The UV seawater immersion method uses seawater that has been exposed to UV light to trigger spawning. Typically, 10 liters of seawater is irradiated with an 8-watt UV lamp for about an hour at a flow rate of 10 liters per minute. Once saturated, the parent sea cucumbers are placed in this treated water. Males tend to release sperm within 30 minutes, while females may take longer. It's essential to monitor the animals closely to prevent stress or self-cannibalism.
The dry-trunk water stimulation method is another effective technique. It involves drying the storage tank for 45 minutes to an hour, then rinsing with running water for 10–50 minutes. This method is often combined with temperature control in commercial settings.
For smaller, more mature individuals, potassium chloride injection is a useful technique. It works by increasing potassium ion concentration, causing muscle contractions that help expel gametes. The solution is injected every 10 minutes to avoid overstimulation, and the anus is sometimes secured to prevent accidental ejection.
In cases where natural or artificial methods fail, especially in larger females, surgical extraction is an option. A small incision is made along the back, and the gonads are gently removed. These gametes must then be cleaned and matured before fertilization. Methods like drug soaking with DTT or cysteine, or ovary chopping, are used to prepare the eggs for fertilization.
After collection, the eggs are washed thoroughly and mixed with sperm in a controlled environment. Careful timing and proportion are key to ensuring successful fertilization. The mixture is allowed to settle, and the fertilized eggs are then transferred to clean seawater for further development.
These techniques, when applied correctly, significantly improve the efficiency and success rate of sea cucumber artificial breeding programs.
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