Effeciency of Procedural Use of Hormonal Agent in Propagation of Clarias gariepinus

Administration procedures of some hormones including single, double and multiple induction protocols were investigated to determine the implications of different induction process in propagation of Clarias gariepinus. The hormones studied were ovulin, Carp pituitary extract (CPE) and gonopore. A total of 36 Clarias gariepinus of the same age comprising 27 females and 9 males were used for the study. Eggs produced among treatments were fertilized with pooled sperm from a total of 3 males per hormonal treatment. Propagation was assessed by fecundity, fertilization, hatchability and larval survival. Highest egg production was recorded at double inductions with ovulin and CPE while highest egg production was observed in single induction with gonopore. There was significant disparity (P<0.05) in fertilization and hatchability percentages. Best fertilization and hatching rate was recorded with ovulin at single induction (80.2%) and ovulin at multiple inductions (81.9%) respectively. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in number of larvae realized among the treatments. Highest larval survival was recorded with gonopore at single induction (68.1%). Findings from the study showed that hormone type and mode of administration are important in propagation of C. gariepinus. The study recommended double inductions in usage of Ovulin and CPE and single induction with gonopore. Adopting best procedural technology in usage of specific hormone is necessary for mass production of Clarias gariepinus seeds.