Induced Spawning of Clarias batrachus (Linn.): Effect of Ovaprim Doses and Latency Periods on the Weight of Stripped Eggs and Ovary

Abstract

The breeding performance of Clarias batrachus was evaluated at four doses of Ovaprim (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mlkg-1 body weight of female) in combination with five latency periods (11, 14, 17, 20 and 23 h). The breeding performance was judged by the total weight of stripped eggs and ovary. The lowest (P < 0.05) weight of stripped eggs was obtained from the females injected with 0.5 ml Ovaprim and stripped at 11-17 h. A steady increase in stripped egg weight was observed by the use of hormone doses beyond 0.5 ml with 11 h latency combinations. Free flow of eggs was observed at 1.0 and 1.5 ml dose, when stripped respectively at 14-23 h and 14-17 h post-injection. These doses and latency period treatments produced the significantly (P < 0.05) highest weight of stripped eggs compared to other treatments. The stripped ovary weight was significantly (P < 0.05) lowest when the females were injected with 1 ml dose and stripped at 14-23 h, or 1.5 ml dose and stripped at 14-17 h. The injection of 1.0-1.5 ml Ovaprim dose per kg female weight in combination with 14-17 h latency was suitable for obtaining the highest weight of stripped eggs in C. batrachus during induced breeding operation.