Hormonally Induced Ovulation of Northern Pike via Sustained-Release Vehicles

T. Szabó-2001
North American Journal of Aquaculture, 63(2): 137-143

Abstract:

Although ovulation in northern pike Esox lucius can be induced by injections of dried fish pituitary-in-saline solutions, incomplete ovulation and low fertilization rates limit large-scale production of fry. The pituitary treatment was modified by using sustained-release vehicles, a hydrophilic biodegradable matrix of carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) and a Carbopol resin. Administration of carp pituitary in an 8.0% solution of CMC-Na or in a 2.0% aqueous dispersion of Carbopol resin produced a higher mean fecundity index and improved fertilization rate than pituitary injected in saline in some trials. The results suggest that, in northern pike, the rate of increase of the ovulation-inducing hormone may influence the relative quantity and fertilization rate of the ovulated eggs. Thus, modification in hormone administration may improve induced breeding techniques for this species.

(Department of Fish Culture, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, 2103 Gödöllő, Hungary)

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