Synergistic Effects of Hormonal Inducers and Terminalia catappa Extract on the Breeding Efficiency of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878)

The improvement in global aquaculture has motivated the varying levels of improvement in fish seed and grow-out production methods. Successful breeding practices are vital to meeting the increasing demand for high-quality fingerlings, with hormonal agents playing a pivotal role in stimulating ovulation and spermiation in culturable fish species. The study assessed the impact on the reproductive productivity of the striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) of three common hormonal inducing agents in Nigeria: pituitary gland extract, Ovatide, and Ovaprim. An extract from Indian almond leaves (Terminalia catappa), a natural supplement, was utilized for a successful breeding outcome. The pituitary gland was extracted using standardized procedures, and the synthetic hormones were sourced from reputable retailers. Early-stage fry survival and hatchability rates were used to evaluate successful breeding. Results reveal significant variations amongst the treatments; the most successful in promoting egg production per broodstock was Ovatide, weighing 144.00±0.22g, followed by Ovaprim, 142.00±0.22g and pituitary gland extract, 122.60±0.22g, respectively. Conversely, pituitary gland extract showed a higher hatchability rate of 82.67±0.51%, therefore proving its effectiveness in guaranteeing successful spawning. T. catappa increased hatchability by 18% (p<0.05) across all hormonal treatments, with larvae achieving a survival rate of over 71% for all agents. The first demonstration on synergistic action of hormonal therapies and natural additives has shown promising results in the breeding of P hypophthalmus. The optimal use of T. catappa leaf extract under varying environmental conditions to further enhance breeding efficiency is recommended.