Biology of Finfish and Shellfish

4.4.1.1. Gravimetric method

Gravimetric sampling is based on weighing and counting the eggs. After the eggs have been liberated from the ovarian tissues, they are thoroughly washed and spread on blotting paper to dry in air. Total number of eggs is then weighed and random samples of about 500 eggs are counted and weighed. The total number of eggs in an ovary is then calculated from the equation F = nG/g (where F = Fecundity, n= number of eggs in the subsample, G=total weight of the ovary and, g = weight of the subsample in the same unit.)