Critical factors influencing survival and hatching of milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsskal) eggs during simulated transport

Abstract

The effects of loading density, length of transit time, temperature and salinity on milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsskal) eggs during simulated transport were examined. Rocking motion approximating conditions of transport of eggs collected from milkfish broodstock floating net cages to a hatchery was simulated using a laboratory orbit shaker. Loading densities of more than 7000 eggs/l in shipping bags resulted in decreased rates of survival and correspondingly lower hatching rates. Prolonged shaking simulating extended periods of egg transport also resulted in low egg survival and hatching rates compared to fertilized eggs not subjected to simulated transport. Egg survival after simulated transport at 20°C was lower than at 28°C, except at 20 ppt salinity, where survival was equal. Egg survival at 20°C progressively increased with declining salinity levels whereas high egg survival rates were observed after 2 h of simulated egg transport at 28°C and at the three salinities tested. Hatching rates of fertilized eggs after simulated transport were higher at 28°C than at 20°C regardless of salinity. Neither salinity nor its interaction with temperature affected hatching rates of eggs after simulated transport. These results indicate that survival and hatching of fertilized milkfish eggs after simulated transport is influenced by loading density, transport time, temperature and, to some degree, the salinity of the water. Based on these results, guidelines for handling and transporting milkfish eggs are given.