Recent Comparative Studies on the Performance and Survival Rate of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Larval Produced under Natural and Synthetics Hormones: A Review

Induced breeding in African catfish (C. gariepinus) became germane in addressing unreliable seed supply due to low fertilization and egg hatchability, improper selection and use of natural or synthetic hormones to induce ovulation and spawning. The proper use of hormones promote reproduction in fish which is controlled by several factors such as sex steroids in the regulation of reproductive processes which are controlled through the brain-pituitary gonadal axis. A review was conducted on recent comparative studies on the performance and survival rate of African catfish (C. gariepinus) larval produced under natural and synthetics hormones. More than 20 journal published papers on inducing ovulation and spawning in African catfish (C. gariepinus) either by using natural or synthetic hormones, mostly from West Africa were reviewed. Literatures suggested that, using synthetic or non- synthetic hormones ensure availability of matured quality eggs, and ensuring good and viable milt production for commercial fish farming. Among reviewed papers revealed that, higher fertilization, hatching and survival rate of African catfish larval were achieved at 0.4-0.5 ml/kg of Ovaprim compared to Ovatide, Ovulin and Pituitary Gland Extract. In ovarian lavage with combination of sperm and hormone method, the simplicity of induced spawning can be combined, with a less time dependent delivery of sperm than with conventio na l, in-vitro fertilization. Therefore, this review suggests that African catfish seeds production can be encouraged through the use of Ovaprim. However, Catfish Pituitary Gland Extract (CPE) which is more readily available at farm level can also be used in-vitro fertilization in case there will be any shortage of Ovaprim whose supply varies with changes in import duties. In addition, to optimize fertilization and larval rearing pituitary gland extract in combination with disinfectants such as FA and MG can be used.