Burbot Lota lota are an emerging aquaculture species. To aid in predicting the natural and hormonal-manipulated timing of ovulation and for ensuring maximum viability of eggs at spawning, this study describes oocyte maturation of hatchery-reared burbot from vitellogenesis through ovulation. At a temperature of 4°C, visual polarization of the oil globule occurred 7–13 d preovulation. The lack of uniformity in individual oocyte development was observed and persisted until approximately 2 d before ovulation, at which point complete polarizationwas observed in all oocytes and a condensed blastomere was observed along the inner chorion. These preliminary observations imply that implantation of gonatotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) decreased the final maturation stage of oocyte development by 2–4 d and may aid in initiating the maturation process, the induction of which appeared to be a threshold for either a female’s progression to ovulation or nonovulation and atresia. Although additional investigation may be needed to fully maximize egg fertilization success and optimize timing related to intensive spawning practices, this study lays a foundation for further investigations and provides a reference for assessing oocyte development and predicting ovulation for this species.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Kootenai River, preservation, growth, stage, eggs, fish
Research Division:	Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Research Group:	Fisheries Sciences
Research Field:	Aquaculture
Objective Division:	Animal Production and Animal Primary Products
Objective Group:	Fisheries - Aquaculture
Objective Field:	Aquaculture Crustaceans (excl. Rock Lobster and Prawns)
Author:	Polinski, MP (Mr Mark Polinski)
Author:	Cain, KD (Associate Professor ken Cain)
ID Code:	82867
Year Published:	2012
Deposited By:	NC Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability
Deposited On:	2013-02-20
Last Modified:	2015-02-23
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