Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the estrus (heat) inducing potential and possible ovulation synchronizing potency of the pituitary gland extract of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) on Maradi goats using vaginal exfoliative cytology as a reference point. Three groups (A, B and C) comprising a total of 21 does (n= 7), aged 18 to 24 months, weighing 16-18kg and with an average body condition score (BCS) of 3-3.5 were used. They were acclimatized for two weeks during which they were certified healthy. Their cyclicity was established one month before the commencement of the study. Group A is the positive control group, B is the test/extract group and C is the negative control group. The pituitary glands were obtained from 15 bloodstock catfish and these were used to prepare the extract administered to the does. Lecireline was administered to the positive control group, while normal saline was administered to the negative control group and the pituitary extract was administered to the test group. Baseline exfoliative vaginal cytology showed that there was no statistically significant difference in estrus stages across the groups (P<0.05); Results showed a trend suggesting that, the pituitary extract of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) induced estrus (Heat) with 28% of synchronization in the extract group as compared to that of Lecirelin which was 57% at 24 hours post-treatment. While at 36 hours post-treatment, 43% was achieved with the extract and 57% with Lecirelin. The negative control which was normal saline at 24hrs after prostaglandin showed onset of estrus at 48 hours post-treatment. The group showed that the tightness of synchrony was weaker compared to the Lecirelin and Pituitary extract. It was concluded that Pituitary extract of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) induced estrus at 24-36 hours post-treatment. It was therefore recommended that the pituitary extract be used in the synchronization protocols of Does.

Keywords: Estrus, Synchronization, Pituitary, Catfish, Goats, Vagina.