Induced Ovulation and Spawning in the Catfish, Clarias isheriensis, Using Pituitary Extracts from Non-piscine Sources

Abstract

Acetone-dried pituitary extracts obtained from non-piscine sources- the common toad, Bufo regularis; the African bullfrog, Rana adspersa; and chicken, Gallus domesticus, were evaluated as alternative inducement agents to piscine-sourced pituitary extracts to spawn Clarias isheriensis. A single dose of 4 mg of dry pituitary extract per kilogram of female was injected intraperitoneally, and it induced ovulation and spawning in all treatments; there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in percent fertilization of eggs. All pituitary extracts were effective in inducing ovulation and spawning in C. isheriensis and, therefore, can be used as alternative sources of pituitary hormones.