Effect of Carp Pituitary Extract, HCG and Mix of Them on Fecundity, Larvaes Production, Blood Sex Hormones and Biochemical Parameters of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus

The present work investigated the effects of carp pituitary extract (CPE), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and CPE + hCG on blood sex hormones, fecundity, GSI, larval production and blood biochemical parameters. Females and males of African catfish were intramuscularly injected with one gland of CPE, 1500 IU hCG/kg and half CPE + 750 IU hCG/kg to be compared to a  not injected group ( a control group). A pair of broodstock was placed in a separate tank, equipped with palm leaves for 15 days after injecting until all experimental fish finished spawning. The results showed significant differences in all measured blood hormones (FSH, LH, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone) among treatments. In addition, significant differences were detected in ovaries weight, gonado somatic index (GSI) of females and males, egg diameter, absolute and relative fecundity and the number of larvae/ female. The injected brood stock with different hormones did not significantly differ in GSI, egg diameter, absolute and relative fecundity, but they were significantly higher in these indices than the control group. The treated group with hCG had the highest number of larvae/females. Meanwhile, the control group did not show any hatched larvae. The chemical composition of ovaries (moisture, protein and ash) showed significant differences (P≤0.05) among treatments except for fat content. While, the male chemical composition of the testis, insignificantly differed. Moreover, there were significant changes in biochemical parameters among all treatments. Finally, it was recommended that using CPE, hCG and the mixture of CPE+hCG has successfully induced the propagation of African catfish. Upon using hCG specifically, the highest number of larvae was obtained in the fish group injected with 1500 IU hCG/kg.