01/03/2026
Using natural hormones in the breeding of carp fish (such as Rui, Katla, Mrigel) — especially carp pituitary gland (PG) — provides several important technical and economic benefits in hatcheries. The benefits are clearly given below from a scientific and practical perspective.
✅ 1. Ensures natural egg maturation and ovulation
The carp pituitary gland contains:
Gonadotropin hormone (GtH)
which activates the fish's own reproductive hormone.
👉 As a result:
The egg matures naturally
Ovulation (the process of releasing eggs) occurs in a natural rhythm
Egg quality is better
✅ 2. Fertilization rate is higher
Using natural PG usually results in:
Fertilization rate: 80–95%
Hatchability is higher
Larval survival rate is improved
Because the hormone works naturally with the fish's endocrine system.
✅ 3. Less stress on brood fish
Although synthetic hormones (such as Ovaprim) work quickly:
In some cases, brood fish get stressed
Over-stimulation can occur
But PG:
Works slowly and physiologically
Fish recovery is faster
Repeat breeding is easier
✅ 4. Locally available and low cost
Since carp fish are abundant in Bangladesh:
Pituitary collection from fish processing plants or markets is possible
Low import dependency
Low hatchery cost
👉 Profitable for small and medium hatcheries.
✅ 5. High species compatibility
PG is most effective for carp fish because:
Same species hormone
Low cross-species reaction
Good dose predictability
✅ 6. Fry quality improves
In PG induced breeding:
Fry are stronger
Growth rate is better
Disease resistance is relatively high
(This is a very important point in hatchery experience)