ARS | Publication request: Intracranial and lavage mode of LHRHa administration improves ovulation and spawning performance of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Submitted to: International Symposium on Reproductive Physiology of Fish
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2011
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Increased production of channel x blue F1 hybrid catfish fry production and their subsequent performance has advanced their adoption of hybrid catfish among the US catfish farmers. The use of hormone induction as a reproductive strategy to produce hybrid fry has been successfully applied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of Intracranial (Ic) and ovarian lavage (Ol) methods of hormone administration to induce ovulation in channel catfish for hybrid fry production. Ic administration resulted in higher ovulation, egg quality and percent hatch of hybrid embryos compared to Ol, Ip and control treatments. Ol administration resulted in lower ovulation and higher egg quality compared to Ip group but did not differ in fertilization and hatch of hybrid embryos. The plasma estradiol profiles of ovulated females declined significantly at 48 h after hormone administration. Ultrasound profiles of the maturing gonad and oocyte characteristics were suggestive of catfish ovulation. The present study suggests that intracranial administration of LHRHa improves ovulation in channel catfish and subsequent hybrid fry production. Maturation profiles of hormone induction methods may possibly provide avenues to improve the efficiency of hatchery production. Limited volumes of injectable hormone and sophistication of intracranial injections may preclude its application in commercial catfish hatcheries.