Pisciculture Laboratory - What is Artificial Photoperiod?

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Artificial Photoperiod is a technology that modifies animal and plant physiology. It´s application in salmonids enables - among others - production of out of season salmonid eggs. Though this method was first developed and analyzed in Scotland, it´s use in Chile efficiently alters natural spawning time, providing the industry with national production at a time when eggs are usually imported to supply the demand (November - January).

To be more specific, the technology consists in applying artificial photoperiods in a way to alter the reproductive phisiology of male and female Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Basic methodology implies application of light pulses for a defined period of time in different seasons of the year, aiming to advance or delay the natural spawning date predicted for the group.