Comparative Study of Inducing Broodstock with Natural and Artificial Hormones on Reproductive Performances of Clarias gariepinus
Otoh, A. J. *
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam, Nigeria.
Ekanem, I. E.
Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate of Fisheries, Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Okoko, A. C.
Ministry of Agriculture, Directorate of Fisheries, Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Asangusung, P. S.
Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
George, U. U
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of artificial and natural hormones (ovaprim and pituitary extract) on the reproductive performances of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish). A total of twenty brood stock, 12 males and 8 females with mean weight of 2.0 kg each were selected for breeding following the external morphological characteristics and standard breeding procedure. The water parameters for indoor culture tanks during the study were optimal for breeding: pH 7.31; temperature, 27.6˚C. Dissolved oxygen, 5.18 mg L-1. The result revealed no significant (P > 0.05) differences in water quality parameters between the culture tanks for artificial and natural hormonal applications during the study. The percentage fertilization, hatchability, survival and fry production success were: 89.23%, 93.31%, 87.16% and 69.41%; and 79.02%, 72.56%, 67.32% and 34.67% respectively, for pituitary extract and Ovaprim®. Pituitary extract recorded higher values and significantly performed better (P < 0.05) between the two treatments. This indicates that natural hormone (pituitary extract) is equally effective and therefore recommended for the artificial propagation of Clarias gariepinus.
Keywords: Catfish breeding, fertilization, fry survival, hatchability, induced ovulations and spawning, pituitary, extract, human sustainability, pituitary gland