Steroid Hormone Profile and Sperm Quality of Silver Pompano (Trachinotus blochii) Fed Tribullus terrestris Extract and Gonadotropin Hormone

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research 1. Hormonal approaches are needed for the maturation of the broodstock's gonads; 2. The use of gonad maturation stimulants, both hormonal and herbal, in the aquaculture sector has been widely used, where hormonal and phyto-biotic induction can enhance gonad maturation in fish. 3. The use of phyto-biotic, such as Tribulus terrestris, has been tested to enhance reproduction in fish. 4. Feeding Tribulus terrestris extract enhances the reproductive performance of male silver pompano broodstock by improving weight growth, testosterone levels, gonad maturation, and sperm volume. Abstract Male broodstock of silver pompano often exhibit delayed gonadal development, which prolongs the broodstock maintenance period and increases production costs. To address this issue, dietary supplementation with bioactive compounds and hormonal inducers has been explored to stimulate reproductive maturation. Among these, plant-derived extracts such as Tribulus terrestris and exogenous hormones like human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) are of interest due to their potential to enhance steroidogenesis and accelerate gonadal development. This study examined the impact of T. terrestris extract (ETT) and hCG on the steroid hormone profile, sperm quality, and gonadal histology of male silver pompano. Five treatment groups were established with varying ETT (mg/kg of diet) and hCG (IU/kg of body): T1 (0 + 0), T2 (50 + 0), T3 (250 + 0), T4 (50 + 1000), and T5 (250 + 500), each replicated eight times. Results revealed that ETT at 250 mg/kg (T3) significantly improved reproductive parameters, including absolute weight gain, gonadal development, and semen volume. Histological analyses further indicated advanced stages of gonadal maturation in treated groups, accompanied by increased plasma testosterone levels, which stimulated spermatogenesis and sperm cell formation. Optimal sperm quality—characterized by enhanced motility and seminal volume—was observed at the T3 dosage, although sperm density showed limited variation. These findings underscore the potential of T. terrestris extract as a practical dietary strategy to enhance reproductive efficiency in silver pompano aquaculture, contributing to improved productivity and sustainability. Further studies are recommended to refine dosages and ensure consistent outcomes across production systems.