ARS | Publication request: TREATING EGGS WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE CAN IMPROVE HATCHING SUCCESS

Submitted to: NWAC (National Warmwater Aquaculture Center) Aquaculture Newsletter
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: November 20, 2002
Publication Date: December 1, 2002
Citation: Small, B.C. 2002. Treating eggs with hydrogen peroxide can improve hatching success. NWAC (National Warmwater Aquaculture Center) Aquaculture Newsletter 5(2):6-7.

Technical Abstract: Fungal and bacterial egg infections remain a significant problem for hatcheries, greatly reducing hatching success. Chemical therapeutics such as formalin are often used to control potential infections. Although formalin is an effective therapeutic, concerns of safety exist among users due to its suspected carcinogenicity and odoriferous nature. Here we present research on the use of hydrogen peroxide for improving catfish hatching success, and suggest methods for commercial use. In a series of experiments, treatment with hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 250 ppm for 15 minutes daily until eyed was shown to increase hatching success by approximately 30%. Conducting hydrogen peroxide treatments in commercial-style hatching troughs resulted in similar gains, and treatment recommendations are provided. Considering that annual catfish fry and fingerling production is approximately 1.6 billion, this could mean an increase of 480 million fry and fingerlings for the catfish industry.