Ovaprim Treatment Research Articles

Comparative Study of Synthetic Hormones Ovaprim and Pitutary Extract in Induced Breeding of Indian Major Carps ( IMC)

In the present study during June 2020- May 2021 observed the spawing response of ovaprim compard with pituitary extract in Indian major carps (IMC). The research work was carried out at fish breeding center, Jayakwadi Paithan 60 K.M away from Aurangabad (M.S) India. Total ten trial doses of carp pituitary extract (CPE) used for induced breeding in Indian major carps i.e. Catla catla , Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala. The percentage of fertilization ranged (88.11-97.94%) was found with ovaprim treatment and (53.19-85.48 %) with pituitary extract treatment. The percentage hatchling ranged (74.70-95.92 %) with ovaprim treatment and (60- 58.82%) with pituitary extract treatment.

Effects of reproductive hormones on reproductive biology of commonly consumed fish in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Nutritionally proteinous food and feed are required for a balance healthy living. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of some reproductive hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Ovaprim (OVA), extract of carp pituitary (CPE) and deoxy- corticosterone acetate (DOCA) on some aspects of reproductive biology of gravid Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus. A 25 number each of gravid males and females H. longifilis and C. gariepinus were employed in this study. Five experimental set up were designed for the study. Each treatment group was dosed with the required amount of the four reproductive hormones while in the fifth treatment breeders were treated with normal saline. This served as the control experimental. All protocol followed standard procedure. Results showed the highest mean value of relative fecundity (148.177) recorded in H. longifilis treated with ovaprim. This was followed by HCG treated C. gariepinus (145.668). Egg fertility rate had the highest mean value of 61.4803 in C. gariepinus treated with ovaprim, followed by 55.583 mean value in H. longifilis with HCG treatment. Egg hatchability mean value of 70.9280 was the highest observed in H. longifilis with ovaprim treatment. The mean values of survival rate were high in both species with OVA and HCG treatment showing values of 61.86% and 61.00% respectively. Treatment of the species with these reproductive hormones yielded good outcomes, except in the case of DOCA. Thus, CPE, OVA and HCG are recommended for breeding of C. gariepinus and H. longifilis.

Reproduction effectiveness of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) from the Hungarian W breeding line after stimulating ovulation with spawning inducing agents of natural (CPH, hCG, PMSG) and/or synthetic origin (Ovopel, Dagin, Ovaprim, mGnRH-a)

This paper presents a study of controlled reproduction effectiveness of carp from the Hungarian breeding line W, one of the most valuable lines at the Gołysz Institute of Ichthyobiology & Aquaculture (Polish Academy of Sciences). Ovulation was induced using: CPH (0.3 + 2.7 mg kg−1BW), CPH + Ovopel (0.3 mg kg−1 + 1 pellet kg−1), Ovopel+CPH (1/5 pellet+2.7 mg kg−1), Ovopel (1 dose: 1 pellet kg−1), Ovopel (2 dose: 1/5 + 1 pellet kg−1), hCG + CPH (1200 IU kg−1 + 1.2 mg kg−1), PMSG (2000 IU kg−1), PMSG+CPH (2000 IU kg−1 + 1.2 mg kg−1), Dagin (1 standard dose kg−1), Ovaprim (0.5 mL kg−1), mGnRH-a + MET (20 μg kg−1 + 10 mg kg−1). The highest percentage of ovulating females was recorded after administering PMSG+CPH (100%), CPH + Ovopel (81.8%) and mGnRH-a + MET (80%), while the lowest was in the case of hCG + CPH and PMSG treatments (62.5%).It was demonstrated the treatment significantly determined the weight of eggs collected (expressed in g and in % of female's body weight), fertilization rate (after 12 h incubation) and the percentage of living embryos (after 24 h and 36 h), as well as the number of eggs and number of living embryos (after 36 h). Eggs of the highest weight were collected from females treated with mGnRH-a + MET (1270 g) or Ovaprim (1230 g) (however, following the Ovaprim treatment, a considerable decrease in egg quality during incubation was recorded), while eggs of the lowest weight were collected after Ovopel (1 dose) (356 g) and after Dagin (431 g) treatments. The highest number of living embryos after 36 h incubation was recorded after administering mGnRH-a + MET, hCG + CPH, CPH and Ovaprim (667,100; 497,800; 473,100; 447,500, respectively), while the lowest was after Dagin (112, 600) and after Ovopel (1 dose) (139,800) treatments. The prediction of the number of living embryos based on the resolved regression equation was the most precise in the case of Ovopel (2 doses), PMSG+CPH, Dagin, mGnRH-a + MET and Ovopel (1 dose) treatments (R2 = 0.99; 0.99; 0.99; 0.98; 0.97, respectively), and the least precise in the case of hCG + CPH and Ovaprim treatments (R2 = 0.72 and 0.72). Based on the sum of ranks calculated for all 11 treatments and assigned to the percentage of ovulating females and the number of living embryos (after 36 h), it was found that the best scores were attained by mGnRH-a + MET, PMSG+CPH, Ovaprim and Ovopel (2 dose) treatments, while the poorest by Dagin and Ovopel (1 dose) treatments.

Combination effects human chorionic gonadotropin hormon and ovaprim distribution on the time latency, percentage of fertilization, hatching and survival of silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) larve fish

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone has roles in inducing maturation, ovulation and fish spawning. Ovaprim is a reproductive hormone product that can stimulate the ovulation process and fish spawning. HCG hormone in marineculture is widely used for spawning fish with doses at around 1000 IU and 2 times of injections. This research was aimed to determine the effect of the combination of hCG and ovaprim hormone on spawning and figure the best treatment in inducing the spawning process of silver pompano. The method used four treatments: hCG x hCG, hCG x ovaprim, ovaprim x hCG, and ovaprim x ovaprim with three replicates of fish spawning (1 pair of parent fish). The best result in accelerating spawning latency time is ovaprim x ovaprim treatment and best performance is hCG x ovaprim treatment.

Effect of hCG and Ovaprim™ on reproductive characteristics of male Levantine scraper, Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes, 1842)

Species richness and abundance within the genus Capoeta has been depleted. As such, there is great need for developing assisted reproductive technologies for controlling reproduction in captivity. Here, we conducted in vivo studies with single administrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and Ovaprim™ [(D-Arg6, Pro9NEt)-sGnRH + domperidone] in wild-caught Levantine scraper, Capoeta damascina and then evaluated milt characteristics, fertilization success, serum sex steroids, and spermatogenesis via histological testicular development. Spermiation responses were significantly stronger for Ovaprim injected fish than those injected with hCG or saline. hCG had a negative effect on milt quality by reducing the percentage of motile sperm and fertilization success at 12–48 h post injection (hpi), which was not observed after treatment with Ovaprim or the saline injection. Hormonal therapy resulted in higher sperm densities and spermatocrit, although sperm longevity was not impacted. Sex steroids were not impacted by hCG or saline injection, but Ovaprim effectively induced androgen and progestin release, as evident by higher serum levels of testosterone, and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one. Consequently, their levels peaked at 12 hpi, which coincided with maximal milt production. Histological analysis of the testes and quantification of germ cell types revealed that Ovaprim significantly stimulated spermiogenesis, as a higher number of accumulated spermatozoa were observed at 12 h and 24 hpi. Testes from saline and hCG-injected fish remained unchanged through the experiment, and contained all stages of germ cells, predominantly spermatocytes with few spermatozoa. In conclusion, Ovaprim treatment successfully induced steroidogenesis and maturation of spermatogenic germ cells, leading to spermiation and milt production without having any negative impacts on sperm quality and fertility in wild-caught C. damascina.

Effects of the fish spawning inducer ovaprim on vasotocin receptor gene expression in brain and ovary of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis with a note on differential transcript expression in ovarian follicles

Ovaprim (OVP), a commercial formulation of a salmon GnRH analogue and the dopamine receptor-2 blocker domperidone, is a successful spawning inducer for fish breeding. It induces a preovulatory surge in LH, which stimulates the synthesis of a maturation-inducing steroid (MIS, 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one) that initiates germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and ovulation. Coincidently, the OVP treatment also stimulates vasotocin (VT) secretion in the brain and ovary of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis that also stimulates the synthesis of the MIS. VT mediates its effect through V1- and V2-type receptors. In the present study in the catfish, we report that OVP stimulates the expression of VT receptor genes v1a1, v1a2 and v2a in the brain and ovary. A single intraperitoneal administration of OVP (0.5μL/g body weight) or incubation of post-vitellogenic ovarian follicles with 5μL/mL OVP, for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24h stimulated ovulation and GVBD, respectively, in a time-dependent manner. The OVP treatment in vivo stimulated brain VT receptor transcript levels 4h onwards. The peak expression was noticed at 12h (v1a1), 8 and 12h (v1a2), and 8, 12 and 16h (v2a), coinciding with FOM and ovulation. The VT receptor genes are expressed in the ovarian follicles compartmentally; both v1a1 and v1a2 are expressed in the isolated follicular layer (theca and granulosa) but absent in denuded oocytes. V2a is expressed in the denuded oocytes and not in the follicular layer. The OVP injection stimulated the v1a1 and v1a2 expression from 4h onwards in both intact follicle and isolated follicular layer, the peak expression was observed at 16h. The v2a expression was up-regulated in both intact follicles and denuded oocytes at 4h (denuded oocytes) or 8h (intact follicle) onwards with the peak expression at 12h and 16h (denuded oocytes) or at 16h (intact follicles). Under in vitro conditions, the OVP incubations elicited similar pattern of changes with the peak stimulation at 16h for all the genes. In conclusion, the VT receptor genes are differentially expressed in the ovarian follicles and OVP induced periovulatory stimulation of the VT receptor genes, coinciding with FOM and ovulation.

Ovulation and spawning induction in Caspian kutum Rutilus frisii kutum by administration of GnRHa and catecholaminergic pharmaceutical compounds with Ovaprim

The acceleration of final oocyte maturation and ovulation is recognized as a principal process in Caspian kutum Rutilus frisii kutum, a commercial and valuable species in Caspian Sea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of catecholaminergic pharmaceutics which include Salbutamol (β2-adrenergic receptor agonist), Metoprolol (β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist), Clozapine and Olanzapine (the third generation of D4 and D2 dopamine receptor antagonists) which can be more efficient than the first and second generations, in combination with Buserelin ([D-Ser(tBu)6,Pro9-NEt]-GnRHa) and Ovaprim (D-Ala6,Pro9-Net)-sGnRH+Domperidone on ovulation and spawning induction in Caspian kutum. One hundred eight adult females were injected once with Buserelin Acetate (BUS) 5 μg kg−1 BW, Ovaprim 0.5 mL kg−1 BW, Salbutamol Sulphate (SLB) 4 mg kg−1 BW, Olanzapine (OLZ) 5 mg kg−1 BW, Clozapine (CZ) 12 mg kg−1 BW and Metoprolol Tartrate (MTP) 5 mg kg−1 BW, being divided into 12 groups: group 1, intact (negative control); group 2, Ovaprim (positive control); group 3, OLZ+SLB; group 4, OLZ+MTP; group 5, OLZ+BUS; group 6, CZ+SLB; group 7, CZ+MTP; group 8, CZ+BUS; group 9, OLZ+BUS+SLB; group 10, OLZ+BUS+MTP; group 11, CZ+BUS+SLB and group 12, CZ+BUS+MTP (N = 9). The results showed that the highest mean value in ovulation success, ovulation index, fertilization success, relative fecundity and the number of eggs belonged to Ovaprim treatment. On the other hand, spawning was successful in OLZ+BUS+SLB and CZ+BUS treatments (P < 0.05), whereas it was lower in CZ+MTP, CZ+BUS+MTP and OLZ+BUS than the other treatments. Therefore, it could be concluded that Clozapine and Olanzapine potentiated the effect of Buserelin treatment in ovulation and spawning induction, while Metoprolol blocked the stimulatory effects of GnRHa, Clozapine and Olanzapine. Salbutamol also can amplify stimulatory effect of all mentioned pharmaceutics.

Efficacy of Varying Doses of Channel Catfish Pituitary Extract on Spawning Performance of Pinfish and Pigfish

AbstractPinfish Lagodon rhomboides and Pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera are commonly used as marine baitfish in the southeastern United States. Hormone efficacy studies for spawning induction have been conducted with both species, but spawning aids derived from piscine pituitary extracts have yet to be evaluated. Pituitary extract from Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus (CCPE) was chosen to determine its efficacy on spawning induction. The CCPE was dissolved in a saline solution and then injected into female broodfish at 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg. The treated females were then paired with conspecific males receiving half the corresponding female dose. Ovaprim served as a positive control at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg for female broodfish and 0.25 mL/kg for males. A single pair of broodfish was randomly stocked according to treatment into separate 1,600‐L tanks within recirculating systems. Broodfish were monitored daily over 72 h after injection for spawning occurrences, and qualitative characteristics including egg and larval morphometrics and viability were quantified. Channel Catfish pituitary extract failed to induce spawning in Pinfish among all dosages administered. All CCPE dosages induced at least one spawn in Pigfish. No significant differences were detected in spawning frequency among treatments although the 10‐ and 20‐mg/kg CCPE dosages and the Ovaprim control each induced ≥50% of Pigfish females to spawn compared with only 16.7% of females treated with the 5‐ and 40‐mg/kg dosages. Floating eggs from Pigfish females in the 10‐mg/kg CCPE treatment were significantly larger than eggs produced using either the 20‐mg/kg CCPE or Ovaprim treatment. Hatching success, larval survival to first feeding, larval length at hatch and first feeding, and oil droplet diameter of recently hatched Pigfish larvae were significantly greater for those larvae from the Ovaprim treatment than for those from the 10‐ and 20‐mg/kg CCPE treatments. Data from these experiments demonstrate the potential use of CCPE to induce spawning in Pigfish, a popular marine baitfish species.

Sperm characteristics of chubLeuciscus cephalus(L.) collected in artificial condition after Ovopel and Ovaprim treatment

The effect of two commercial preparations containing different GnRH analogues with dopamine antagonists on quantitative and qualitative parameters of semen from chub Leuciscus cephalus L. collected in artificial conditions were examined. Semen was collected after the application of [(D-Ala6, Pro9 NEt)-mGnRH + metoclopramide] (Ovopel, n = 9), [(D-Arg6, Pro9 Net)-sGnR + domperidone] (Ovaprim, n = 9) and from the control group (0.9% NaCl, n = 9). Afterwards, semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm production and semen pH were determined. Osmolality and pH of seminal plasma were also determined. Using the Computer-assisted sperm analysis system (CASA), selected sperm parameters such as sperm motility (MOT %), progressively motile sperm (PRG, %), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm s−1), straight-line velocity (VSL, μm s−1), movement linearity (LIN, %), wobbling index (WOB, %), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm) and beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz) were analysed. While Ovopel can also be used to stimulate chub spermation, the application of Ovaprim was much more effective for obtaining higher amounts of semen.

The effectiveness of hormonal preparations (Ovopel, Ovaprim, LHRHa, hCG and CPE) in stimulating spermiation in dace Leuciscus leuciscus (L.)

The effect of selected hormonal preparations, i.e. [(D-Ala6, Pro9-NEt)-mGnRH+metoclopramide] (Ovopel), [(D-Arg6, Pro9-NEt)-sGnRH+domperidone] (Ovaprim), luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRHa), human chorionic gonadotropine (hCG) and carp pituitary extract (CPE) on the total volume of milt (TVM, ml), volume of milt per kg of body weight (VOM, ml kg−1 b.w.), sperm concentration (×109 ml−1) and total sperm production (TSP, ×109) of dace Leuciscus leuciscus (L.) has been examined. The control group (Control) included fish which milt was taken after 0.9% NaCl injection. The parameters of sperm movement were analysed with the CASA system and included: sperm motility (MOT, %), progressive motility (PRG, %), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm s−1) and straightlinear velocity (VSL, μm s−1) of sperm, linearity of movements (LIN = 100 × VSL/VCL,%), wobbling (WOB, %), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm) and beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz). Milt was taken from all fish (n = 12 per group) 48 h after hormonal stimulation and selected milt and sperm parameters were determined. The best results in volume of milt was found after Ovaprim treatment and TVM and VOM values were statistically higher compared to the values recorded in the Control (P < 0.001), LHRHa (P < 0.001), hCG (P < 0.001) and Ovopel group (P < 0.05). Ovaprim treatment significantly increased also TSP values without differences only between Ovopel group. Sperm concentration was significantly lower after Ovaprim treatment compared to the Control (P < 0.001) and Ovopel (P < 0.05). In CASA parameters, no significant differences were found between MOT, PRG, LIN, WOB and BCF values depending on the hormonal preparation used (P > 0.05). The highest VCL and VSL values were recorded after LHRHa treatment but there was no statistical differences between Control, Ovaprim and CPE groups. Significant differences in ALH parameter were recorded only between LHRHa and hCG (P < 0.01).

Ovaprim treatment promotes oocyte development and milt fertilization rate in diploid and triploid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Triploid fish are increasingly used in aquaculture because they are generally unable to reproduce successfully. Energy is channeled into somatic growth rather than gonadal development, and in the event of escape, the animals are unlikely to breed successfully among themselves or with wild conspecifics. This study tested the ability of recently matured triploid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) to produce and fertilize eggs with and without ovaprim treatment. Triploid females did not show the increase in ovary size observed in diploid members of the same cohort between 8 and 9 months of age, or the coincident decrease in visceral fat deposits, and this was unaffected by up to 5 weekly i.m. injections of 0.5 ml kg−1 Ovaprim. However, we observed advanced vitellogenin (Vtg) sequestration in oocytes of triploid females, albeit to a lesser degree and with lesser cortical alveoli, compared to oocytes from diploid cohort members. Histological sections revealed a positive trend of oocyte development up to the third weekly ovaprim injection followed by a negative gonadal development in weeks four and five. Milt from triploid males injected 9–12 h earlier with 0.25 ml kg−1 ovaprim i.m. fertilized more diploid eggs than milt from untreated triploid males (30 vs. 20%), but none of the developing embryos of triploid paternity survived to hatch. In contrast, milt of diploid males fertilized 49% of eggs, and 20% of the developing embryos hatched successfully. These rates were improved in ovaprim-injected diploid males to 70% fertilization and 33% hatch. This study demonstrates potential of overcoming non-viability of eggs from triploid female African catfish, and enhancing the ability of triploid milt to fertilize eggs.

Controlled reproduction of asp, Aspius aspius (L.) using luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues with dopamine inhibitors

Artificial reproduction of asp under controlled conditions was investigated using two different spawning agents based on luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues and dopamine antagonists (Ovopel and Ovaprim), during two successive spawning seasons. Fish in the Ovopel and Ovaprim treatment groups were treated with a dose equivalent to 2 pellets and 0.5 mL per kg of body weight respectively. Out-of-season spawning and reproduction after a sudden increase in water temperature were also examined. No control fish ovulated although in both years, fish treated with Ovaprim showed a higher percentage of ovulation (75–88%) and embryo survival to the eyed-egg-stage (69–78%) than those treated with Ovopel (ovulation 25–38%; embryo survival 36–47%). The latency time was shorter in the groups where Ovopel was applied (40–42 h) than in Ovaprim groups (42–48 h). Similar results were obtained in out-off-season spawning. After a sudden increase in water temperature, females treated with Ovopel did not ovulate. This indicates that Ovaprim might be successfully used for artificial reproduction of asp by applying the induction protocol and the conditions reported in the present study.

The effects of commercial preparations containing two different GnRH analogues and dopamine antagonists on spermiation and sperm characteristics in the European smelt Osmerus eperlanus (L.)

Efficiency of Ovopel (mGnRHa + metaclopramide) and Ovaprim (sGnRHa + domperidone) treatment on the quantity and quality of European smelt milt were tested. Either preparation resulted in stimulation of smelt sperm production (100% spermiating males vs. 68% in control). At the dosage tested, Ovaprim treatment increased the volume of milt and total sperm production, whereas Ovopel treatment produced sperm with a higher percentage of motility. Among computer-assisted sperm motility analysis (CASA) parameters only amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) significantly differed from control in both hormonal treated groups. For most parameters no significant differences between control and stimulated males were found. Our data suggested that administration of two different GnRHa combined with two different dopamine antagonists would help in the future work for improving procedures of artificial reproduction and conservation of European smelt.

Induction of population growth, mictic female production and body size by treatment of a synthetic GnRH analogue in the freshwater rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas

Enriched commercial and artificial diets are unsuitable for the post larval stages of various commercially important crustacea and fish, which require live foods (such as rotifers, brine shrimp or fairy shrimp). The larger size of the brine shrimp and fairy shrimp make them unsuitable for larval fish and shrimp requiring small zooplanktons such as rotifers, as their initial diet. This study was designed to develop a reliable technique for inducing population growth, mictic female production and body size in the freshwater rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus by treatment with the synthetic hormone Ovaprim. Ovaprim is a synthetic GnRH analogue with domperidone. Concentrations of Ovaprim from 0.05, 0.5, 5 and 50 μl ml − 1 were added to Chlorella vulgaris suspension (2 × 10 6 cells ml − 1 ). Population growth significantly increased in treatments exposed to 0.05 and 0.5 μl ml − 1 while higher mortality was observed at the concentrations of 50 and 5 μl ml − 1 . Ovaprim had no effect on mictic female production and hence also on the resting egg production. Lorica length increased to 19.47 and 19.16 μm in rotifers treated with 0.5 and 0.05 μl ml − 1 hormone concentrations and decrease in lorica length was observed at 50 and 5 μl ml − 1 concentrations (13.44 and 15.17 μm). Increase in the lorica width (13.41 μm) was observed on treatment with 0.5 μl ml − 1 concentration of Ovaprim when compared to the control. The results of the experiment suggest that Ovaprim treatment at 0.5 μl ml − 1 concentration have significant modulatory effects on the population growth, mictic female production and body size of B. calyciflorus.

Ovulation induction in northern pike Esox lucius L. using different GnRH analogues, Ovaprim, Dagin and carp pituitary

The traditional GnRH analogue treatments applying the chemicals in pure form proved to be ineffective in inducing ovulation in northern pike (Esox lucius L). Neither mGnRHa ([D-Ala6, Pro9NEt]-mGnRH) nor sGnRHa ([D-Arg6, Pro9-Net]-sGnRH) administered alone or together with pimozide (mGnRHa), metoclopramide (mGnRHa) or domperidone (sGnRHa) induced ovulation in females, whereas in groups receiving a carp pituitary injection most females ovulated. Spawning-inducing agent Dagin did not induce ovulation, whereas all but one female ovulated in the carp pituitary-treated group. Treatment with another preparation, Ovaprim, resulted in similar or lower ovulation ratio than treatment with carp pituitary. After the Ovaprim treatment, time to ovulation was not as predictable as after the carp pituitary injection. The mean fertilization rate was relatively low and similar in the groups treated with Ovaprim (54.7 ± 12.3% and 58.7 ± 19.1% for the first and second experiment respectively) and with carp pituitary (53.7 ± 10.5% and 58.9 ± 14.9%). The mean pseudogonadosomatic index (PGSI) was also similar between the Ovaprim-treated group (14.5 ± 6.1%) and the carp pituitary-treated one (17.9 ± 4.1%). In the present experiments, treatment with Ovaprim was less effective than that with carp pituitary.