Egg Biopsy and Spawning Performance of Catfish (Burchell, 1822) using Ovaprim and Chicken Pituitary Hormone

Abstract

Study on egg biopsy and spawning performance of cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) induced with Ovaprim and Chicken Pituitary Hormone (CPH) was carried out to determine the effect of Ovaprim and CPH on fish egg (Oocyte) migration and the resultant effect on fertilization and hatchability percentages. Sixteen C. gariepinus brood stocks (sex ratio 2:1) between 1.1kg and 2.3kg in weight and four layers birds (Gallus gallus domesticus) between 1.2kg and 2.2kg in weight were used for the experiment. Extraction of CPH from layers birds was carried out to induce brood stock fishes. Treatment 1 was used for Ovaprim and replicated thrice whilst Treatment 2 was used for CPH and also replicated thrice. An indoor slow flow- through system vat measuring 2 ft x 6 ft x 1 ft each was used for the incubation. Water test kits and Table top scale were used to monitor essential physicochemical parameters and measurement of the fish brood stock and Chicken layers weights individually. The mean values of egg biopsy, fertilization and hatchability percentages in Ovaprim and CPH treatments was not significantly different at 5% level of probability. Also, there was no significant difference at 5% level of probability in the physiochemical parameters. This study showed that both Ovaprim and CPH induced egg ripening and migration of egg nucleus to the micropyle for effective fertilization and spawning in African catfish therefore, CPH could be recommended on the basis of spawning effectiveness and availability of the pituitary from the chicken slaughter/processing house with little or no cost.