TITLE:
Optimization of Hormonal Induction in African Catfish Using 70% Ethanol-Preserved Pituitary Glands in Environments without Cold Chain
AUTHORS:
Elie Namegabe Bacirheba, Gabriel Mukabo Okito, Désiré Akonkwa Balagizi, Jean-Berckmans Bahananga Muhigwa, Guillain Andanga Machumu
KEYWORDS:
Clarias gariepinus, Hypophysation, 70% Ethanol, Growth, Survival
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.16 No.4,
September
11,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study, which focused on the artificial reproduction of Clarias gariepinus, examined the effects of different preservation methods for pituitary induction hormones (fresh or in 70% ethanol) on larval vigor. The results demonstrate that the method of pituitary preservation directly influences the number of eggs obtained. The use of fresh pituitaries produced significantly higher egg mass (112.91 g) and absolute fecundity (75,944 eggs) compared to pituitaries preserved in 70% ethanol (77.97 g and 52,070 eggs). This difference reflects the full potency of hormones in fresh glands, whereas storage results in a slight loss of potency. However, the biological quality of the gametes remains intact: the fertilization rates (82.33%) and larval survival rates (86.67%) obtained with pituitary glands preserved in 70% ethanol for 7 days are statistically identical to those of the fresh batch. This simplified preservation method therefore proves to be an effective and low-cost alternative, particularly suited to fish farmers in rural areas lacking a cold chain, in settings where hatcheries have no access to 97% - 100% ethanol.