Aquatic Science, Animal Science and Zoology, Physiology, General Environmental Science
82
Scopus Publications
2465
Scholar Citations
28
Scholar h-index
57
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Effect of oxygen and antioxidants on the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) milt during short-term storage Agnieszka Brzyszcz, Beata Sarosiek, Katarzyna Dryl, Katarzyna Targońska, Michał Blitek, Dariusz Kucharczyk, Wojciech Skorupa, Masaya Morita, Radosław K. Kowalski Aquaculture, 2026 This study explores the impact of oxygen and antioxidants in an immobilizing buffer on short-term storage of common carp sperm. Sperm from five carp individuals underwent short-term storage for 10 days without dilution (Control), mixed with buffer TLP alone (TLP), or with antioxidants: 5 mM glutathione (Glut), 5 mM ascorbic acid (VitC), 1.5 mg/mL vitamin E (VitE), and a mix of all mentioned antioxidants (Mix). Diluted milt samples were stored at 4 °C in either open Eppendorf tubes within oxygen-filled bags (refreshed every 24 h) or closed tubes under limited aerobic conditions. All samples were gently mixed twice daily to prevent spermatozoa sedimentation. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was employed to measure the curvilinear velocity (VCL) and total motility (MOT) of stored samples. Live/Dead double staining kit assessed sperm membrane integrity. After 10 days of storage, a fertility trial was conducted to compare preserved milt with freshly collected sperm samples ( n = 3). In samples stored in limited aerobic conditions, the VCL parameter in TLP, Glut, and VitE buffers remained steady. Oxygen altered MOT and VCL, with the best variants of diluents (TLP and VitE) showing a decrease from 90 % to about 80 %. In samples with the addition of ascorbic acid and the antioxidant mixture, a loss of viability was observed after 6 days. On the other hand, membrane integrity in limited aerobic conditions (in buffers TLP, Glut, and VitE) remained unaffected to day 10. Fertilization success, measured by hatching rate, indicated that diluted common carp milt, stored for 10 days in aerobic conditions, maintained its fertilizing potential. This study demonstrates the impact of oxygen utilization and the potential beneficial effect of antioxidant supplementation on the short-term storage of common carp milt in aquaculture practices. Correlation analysis conducted in this study revealed strong positive relationships between hatching rate and motility parameters, such as ALH and total motility, highlighting the importance of these factors in successful common carp fertilization. • Oxygen-rich storage conditions reduced sperm motility and velocity after 6 days. • Sperm viability and hatching rates were highest in samples stored in air conditions. • Glutathione and vitamin E potentially enhance the durability of common carp sperm. • Positive correlations were found between sperm motility, ALH and hatching.
The Influence of Sperm Activation Methods and Oocyte Collection on the Reproductive Effects of Northern Pike (Esox lucius) Michał Cydzik, Krystyna Demska-Zakęś, Mirosław Szczepkowski, Bożena Szczepkowska, Beata Sarosiek, Michał Blitek, Aleksy Kowalski, Radosław Kajetan Kowalski Animals, 2025 This study compared the quality of northern pike eggs collected using traditional methods (hand stripping) and pneumatic methods (air stripping). The effects of different activation solutions (0.4% NaCl, 0.8% NaCl, and hatchery water) on egg fertilization under controlled conditions were also investigated. After egg collection, the Pseudo-Gonado-Somatic Index (PGSI) was measured; the PGSI values in the samples obtained using the pneumatic method (13.8 ± 3.9%) were lower, but did not differ statistically from those obtained by hand stripping (16.5 ± 5.4%). The 0.4% NaCl solution proved to be the most effective for sperm activation, as assessed by the Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system, compared to the 0.8% NaCl solution. The pneumatic method achieved a higher egg collection efficiency (93.7% occlusion) than the traditional method, with significant differences observed in groups activated with water. The average hatching percentage of larvae was 89.5% in groups using the pneumatic method, compared to 71.2% in the traditional groups, highlighting the advantages of this modern approach. The application of the pneumatic method and 0.4% NaCl for the artificial fertilization of northern pike resulted in higher fertilization and hatching rates compared to other techniques, making this method a promising option for the artificial reproduction of other fish species.
Optimalisation of the Activation Medium and Effect of Inhibiting Activities of Acid Phosphatase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase on the Fertilisation Success of Eurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) Beata Sarosiek, Katarzyna Dryl, Radosław K. Kowalski, Katarzyna Palińska-Żarska, Daniel Żarski Animals, 2022 Although methods for the artificial reproduction of perch have been developed, a lack of information remains regarding the enzymes present in its semen, as well as their role in the fertilisation process. In this study, we first select the optimal activating solution for perch fertilisation and then determine the inhibition effect of enzymes that have already been reported as present in the sperm of teleosts—acid phosphatase (AcP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (β-NAGase)—on the percentage of motile spermatozoa and fertilised eggs. Of the 8 studied activation media, a solution composed of 80 mM NaCl, 20 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris, with pH 8.0 and 206 mOsm/kg proved to be optimal for perch gametes. The addition of ammonium molybdate (AcP inhibitor) caused no significant reduction in the percentage of fertilised eggs. On the other hand, the addition of 0.25 mM gossypol (LDH inhibitor) and 0.125 M acetamide (β-N-acetylglucosaminidase inhibitor) significantly decreased the fertilisation percentage to 41.1% and 52.4%, respectively, in contrast to the control (89.9 %). Both LDH and β-NAGase thus seem to play a very important role in the perch fertilisation process.
Application of artificial seminal plasma to short-term storage of a large volume of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm for two weeks under controlled conditions Beata Irena Cejko, Daniel Żarski, Beata Sarosiek, Katarzyna Dryl, Katarzyna Palińska-Żarska, Wojciech Skorupa, Radosław Kajetan Kowalski Aquaculture, 2022 We previously demonstrated that artificial seminal plasma (ASP), developed for common carp (Cyprinus carpio), enabled considerable improvement of the fertilizing capacity of sperm in this species. Here, for the first time, the effectiveness of using ASP (ASP: 2 mM CaCl2, 1 mM MgSO4, 40 mM KCl, 100 mM NaCl, 20 mM Tris; pH 7.5 and 310 mOsm kg−1) for short-term storage of tenfold diluted sperm for up to two weeks at 10 °C was evaluated. Additionally, the fertilizing capacity of stored sperm was investigated. Sperm were stored in a volume of 5 ml in containers equipped with ventilation plugs enabling gas exchange of the stored sperm. During the study, the quality of the sperm was verified using the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system after 1, 2, 5, 9, 11 and 14 days of storage. After 14 days of common carp sperm storage in ASP sperm motility (MOT, %), the progressive motile sperm (PRG, %) and curvilinear velocity of sperm (VCL, μm s−1) were confirmed to be 55%, 25% and 120 μm s−1, respectively. At the same time, in undiluted sperm (Control), we did not observe sperm motility. Only until the 2nd day of storage in undiluted samples motility and sperm kinetic parameters remained high level (84%, 34% and 144 μm s−1 for MOT, PRG and VCL, respectively). The fertilization of eggs and hatching rate after 14 days of sperm storage in ASP were 80% and 40%, respectively, and did not differ significantly from the fertilization and hatching rate determined after fresh sperm was used for fertilization. In summary, for the first time, the fertilization capacity of common carp sperm after 14 days of short-term storage under ASP conditions was confirmed, indicating the possibility of using previously collected and diluted ASP sperm in reproduction at a time convenient for the breeder. Thus, it is possible to reduce the stressful and time-consuming handling of fish during breeding under controlled conditions, which has an impact on the welfare of spawners.
Dietary ara improves cox activity in broodstock and offspring survival fitness of a model organism (Medaka Oryzias Latipes) Agata Kowalska, Maciej Kamaszewski, Marta Czarnowska-Kujawska, Piotr Podlasz, Radosław K. Kowalski Animals, 2020 A 3-week feeding trial was conducted in medaka broodstock (age five months) to examine the effect of dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) level (range: 4–23 mg g−1 of total fatty acids (TFAs)) on fertility, cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, egg size, sperm motility parameters, hatching rate and weight of hatch, survival and growth of larvae. After spawn induction and dietary exposure to 4 mg ARA g−1 TFA, broodstock were fed a diet containing ARA in the amounts: 4 (continued, as control), 5, 14 and 23 mg g−1 TFA. COX1 activity in the liver and the number of COX2-positive cells in the ovaries was increased in females fed the diets containing the two highest amounts of ARA. The highest sperm motility parameters were observed in males fed a diet containing 23 mg ARA g−1 TFA. The hatchability rate and bodyweight of hatchlings were higher in the group obtained from broodstock fed a diet containing 23 mg ARA g−1 TFA (79% and 0.66 mg fish−1, respectively) compared with 4 mg ARA g−1 TFA (50% and 0.40 mg fish−1). The average mortality of offspring obtained from this group at 7 days post hatching was significantly higher than that of all other groups.
Effect of hormonal stimulation on milt volume, number of sperm, and sperm motility in the crucian carp, Carassius carassius (L.) Israeli Journal of Aquaculture Bamidgeh, 2013
Temporal changes in motility parameters of dace Leuciscus Leuciscus (L.) sperm obtained from spermatic ducts and directly from testicles Polish Journal of Natural Sciences, 2012
The effect of selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) reproduction parameters World Academy of Science Engineering and Technology, 2011
Quantitative characteristics of rainbow trout, oncorhynchus mykiss, neo-males (XX genotype) and super-males (YY genotype) sperm World Academy of Science Engineering and Technology, 2011
Characterization of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) sperm motility: Effects of pH, cations and ovarian fluid Advances in Limnology, 2007
Milt characteristics in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) in relation to season and hormonal stimulation with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, azagly-nafarelin Advances in Limnology, 2007
Effect of oxygen and antioxidants on the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) milt during short-term storage A Brzyszcz, B Sarosiek, K Dryl, K Targońska, M Blitek, D Kucharczyk, ... Aquaculture, 743172 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
The Influence of Sperm Activation Methods and Oocyte Collection on the Reproductive Effects of Northern Pike ( Esox lucius ) M Cydzik, K Demska-Zakęś, M Szczepkowski, B Szczepkowska, ... Animals 15 (1), 8 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sperm collected post-mortem could be revitalised by short-term storage A Brzyszcz, S Judycka, K Dryl, BI Cejko, B Sarosiek, RK Kowalski Aquaculture 581, 740425 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Changes in sperm metabolome during carp sperm short-term storage in different media: in search of sperm quality and storage capability markers V Dzyuba, J Giebułtowicz, B Dzyuba, G Fedorova, V Kholodnyy, ... Aquaculture 581, 740381 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
OVERVIEW OF THE RECENT ADVANCES IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT FOR FISH IN THE SCIENCES RK Kowalski, A Brzyszcz Physiological Research 72 (5), P11-P11 , 2023 2023
The successful production of “sterbel” hybrids using beluga (Huso huso) cryopreserved sperm D Fopp-Bayat, A Nitkiewicz, B Sarosiek, RK Kowalski Animal Reproduction Science 249, 107197 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Ide (Leuciscus idus) sperm short-term storage: effects of different extenders and dilution ratios BI Cejko, S Krejszeff, RK Kowalski, S Judycka Animal Reproduction Science 247, 107155 , 2022 2022 Citations: 3
Application of sodium alginate solution for short-term storage of different volumes of sex-reversed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) testicular sperm BI Cejko, K Dryl, B Sarosiek, J Ilgert, M Jesiołowski, RK Kowalski Aquaculture 560, 738491 , 2022 2022 Citations: 6
Optimalisation of the Activation Medium and Effect of Inhibiting Activities of Acid Phosphatase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase on the Fertilisation … B Sarosiek, K Dryl, RK Kowalski, K Palińska-Żarska, D Żarski Animals 12 (3), 307 , 2022 2022 Citations: 2
Application of artificial seminal plasma to short-term storage of a large volume of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm for two weeks under controlled conditions BI Cejko, D Żarski, B Sarosiek, K Dryl, K Palińska-Żarska, W Skorupa, ... Aquaculture 546, 737385 , 2022 2022 Citations: 33
Dietary ARA Improves COX Activity in Broodstock and Offspring Survival Fitness of a Model Organism (Medaka Oryzias latipes ) A Kowalska, M Kamaszewski, M Czarnowska-Kujawska, P Podlasz, ... Animals 10 (11), 2174 , 2020 2020 Citations: 11
Ochrona prywatności na gruncie rozporządzenia w sprawie poszanowania życia prywatnego oraz ochrony danych osobowych w łączności elektronicznej R Kowalski 2020
A Comparison of Pneumatic and Hand Stripping of Whitefish ( Coregonus lavaretus ) Eggs for Artificial Reproduction RK Kowalski, BI Cejko, J Grudniewska, S Dobosz, M Szczepkowski, ... Animals 10 (1), 97 , 2020 2020 Citations: 9
The effect of cryopreservation extender on sperm motility and hatch success in northern pike (Esox lucius) BI Cejko, B Sarosiek, K Dryl, S Judycka, B Szczepkowska, ... Aquaculture 514, 734482 , 2020 2020 Citations: 21
Sperm quality in fish: Determinants and affecting factors RK Kowalski, BI Cejko Theriogenology 135, 94-108 , 2019 2019 Citations: 194
Artificial seminal plasma improves motility and fertilisation capacity of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. sperm during one hour of storage BI Cejko, D Żarski, K Palińska-Żarska, M Słowińska, RK Kowalski Aquaculture 506, 224-228 , 2019 2019 Citations: 31
Dlaczego Belkar innowacyjny herbicyd do rzepaku, zapewni Ci relaks? R Kowalski Nowoczesna Uprawa , 2019 2019
Optimisation of sodium and potassium concentrations and pH in the artificial seminal plasma of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. BI Cejko, Á Horváth, T Kollár, E Kása, J Lujić, Z Marinović, B Urbányi, ... Fish physiology and biochemistry 44 (6), 1435-1442 , 2018 2018 Citations: 51
Effectiveness of the air stripping in two salmonid fish, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta Morpha fario) RK Kowalski, B Sarosiek, S Judycka, K Dryl, J Grudniewska, S Dobosz, ... Journal of Visualized Experiments: JoVE, 56894 , 2018 2018 Citations: 10
Application of Glucose-Methanol Extender to Cryopreservation of Mozambique Tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ) Sperm SI Ugwu, A Kowalska, M Morita, RK Kowalski Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 19 (1), 41-50 , 2018 2018 Citations: 13
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Sperm quality in fish: Determinants and affecting factors RK Kowalski, BI Cejko Theriogenology 135, 94-108 , 2019 2019 Citations: 194
Fertilization rate of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri, Brandt) milt cryopreserved with methanol J Glogowski, R Kolman, M Szczepkowski, Á Horváth, B Urbányi, ... Aquaculture 211 (1-4), 367-373 , 2002 2002 Citations: 170
Exposure of rainbow trout milt to mercury and cadmium alters sperm motility parameters and reproductive success GJ Dietrich, M Dietrich, RK Kowalski, S Dobosz, H Karol, W Demianowicz, ... Aquatic Toxicology 97 (4), 277-284 , 2010 2010 Citations: 157
Different computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems highly influence sperm motility parameters S Boryshpolets, RK Kowalski, GJ Dietrich, B Dzyuba, A Ciereszko Theriogenology 80 (7), 758-765 , 2013 2013 Citations: 145
Essential oil composition of sweet basil cultivars as affected by nitrogen and potassium fertilization R Nurzynska-Wierdak, B Borowski, K Dzida, G Zawislak, R Kowalski Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 37 (4), 427-436 , 2013 2013 Citations: 102
Motility Parameters of Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) Spermatozoa in Relation to Sequential Collection of Milt, Time of Post-mortem Storage and Anesthesia GJ Dietrich, R Kowalski, M Wojtczak, S Dobosz, K Goryczko, A Ciereszko Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 31 (1), 1-9 , 2005 2005 Citations: 80
Influence of the length of time after hormonal stimulation on selected parameters of milt of ide Leuciscus idus L. BI Cejko, RK Kowalski, D Kucharczyk, K Targońska, S Krejszeff, D Żarski, ... Aquaculture Research 41 (6), 804-813 , 2010 2010 Citations: 73
Proteolytic activity and electrophoretic profiles of proteases from seminal plasma of teleosts R Kowalski, J Glogowski, D Kucharczyk, K Goryczko, S Dobosz, ... Journal of Fish Biology 63 (4), 1008-1019 , 2003 2003 Citations: 62
Influence of heavy metals and 4-nonylphenol on reproductive function in fish. W Popek, G Dietrich, J Glogowski, K Demska-Zakeś, E Drag-Kozak, ... Reproductive biology 6, 175-188 , 2006 2006 Citations: 56
The effectiveness of hormonal preparations (Ovopel, Ovaprim, LHRHa, hCG and CPE) in stimulating spermiation in dace Leuciscus leuciscus (L.) BI Cejko, K Targońska, RK Kowalski, D Żarski, B Sarosiek, D Kucharczyk, ... Journal of Applied Ichthyology 28 (6), 873-877 , 2012 2012 Citations: 52
Optimisation of sodium and potassium concentrations and pH in the artificial seminal plasma of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. BI Cejko, Á Horváth, T Kollár, E Kása, J Lujić, Z Marinović, B Urbányi, ... Fish physiology and biochemistry 44 (6), 1435-1442 , 2018 2018 Citations: 51
Artificial reproduction of wild and cultured barbel ( Barbus barbus , Cyprinidae) under controlled conditions K Targońska, D Kucharczyk, D Żarski, B Cejko, S Krejszeff, K Kupren, ... Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 59 (3), 363-372 , 2011 2011 Citations: 50
Assessment of water turbidity for evaluation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) egg quality M Wojtczak, R Kowalski, S Dobosz, K Goryczko, H Kuźminski, ... Aquaculture 242 (1-4), 617-624 , 2004 2004 Citations: 41
Gelatinolytic and anti-trypsin activities in seminal plasma of common carp: relationship to blood, skin mucus and spermatozoa R Kowalski, M Wojtczak, J Glogowski, A Ciereszko Aquatic Living Resources 16 (5), 438-444 , 2003 2003 Citations: 41
The effects of commercial preparations containing two different GnRH analogues and dopamine antagonists on spermiation and sperm characteristics in the European smelt Osmerus … J Król, RK Kowalski, P Hliwa, GJ Dietrich, R Stabiński, A Ciereszko Aquaculture 286 (3-4), 328-331 , 2009 2009 Citations: 40
Aromatase expression in testes of XY, YY, and XX rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) M Kotula-Balak, R Zielińska, J Glogowski, RK Kowalski, B Sarosiek, ... Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative … , 2008 2008 Citations: 40
Multiple collections of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. semen during the reproductive period and its effects on sperm quality BI Cejko, B Sarosiek, S Krejszeff, RK Kowalski Animal reproduction science 188, 178-188 , 2018 2018 Citations: 37
Effect of two commercial preparations containing different GnRH analogues with dopamine antagonists on barbel Barbus barbus (L.) sperm quantity and quality BI Cejko, D Żarski, S Judycka, D Kucharczyk, B Sarosiek, RK Kowalski Aquaculture International 22 (1), 97-109 , 2014 2014 Citations: 37
Gelatinases and serine proteinase inhibitors of seminal plasma and the reproductive tract of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) M Kotłowska, R Kowalski, J Glogowski, J Jankowski, A Ciereszko Theriogenology 63 (6), 1667-1681 , 2005 2005 Citations: 37
Dietary resveratrol improves immunity but reduces reproduction of broodstock medaka Oryzias latipes (Temminck & Schlegel) A Kowalska, AK Siwicki, RK Kowalski Fish physiology and biochemistry 43 (1), 27-37 , 2017 2017 Citations: 36