Comparative effect of inducing broodstock with natural and artificial hormones on reproductive performances of <i>Heterobranchus longifilis</i>

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effects of ovaprim and pituitary extract on the reproductive performances of Heterobranchus longifilis (African  catfish). A total of twenty broodstock, 12 males and 8 females with mean weight of 2 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: dissolved oxygen – 5.18 mg L-1 ; pH 7.31; temperature, 27.6 ˚C. The result revealed no significant (P > 0.05) differences in water quality  parameters between the culture tanks for artificial and natural hormonal applications in this study. The percentage fertilization, hatchability, survival and  fry production success were: 84.25 %, 92. 31 %, 88.14 % and 68.42 %; and 75.17 %, 69.57 %, 64.33 % and 33.66 %, 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 the use  of natural pituitary extract is equally as effective as the use of the artificial hormone Ovaprim® for the artificial propagation of Heterobranchus longifilis.  It is therefore recommended.