Economic Evaluation of Three Hormonal Preparations in Artificial Propagation of Heterobranchus longifilis (Valenciennes, 1840)

The economic evaluation of three hormonal preparations: ovaprim, ovulin and carp pituitary extract (C.P.E) in artificial propagation of Heterobranchus longifilis was investigated. A total of twelve brood fishes (nine females and three males) of eighteen months old were used for the experiment. The females were divided into three groups. Each group was induced to spawn with each of the hormones. Pooled sperm from the three males were used to fertilize the eggs obtained from the females. Effects of the hormones on the fecundity was investigated to help address the economic values. The results showed that the cost of inducing 1.20kg female to yield 42.83g, 57.60g, and 35.10g of eggs were ₦480.39, ₦225.00 and ₦175.00, for C.P.E, ovaprim and ovulin respectively. Profitability index for ovaprim, ovulin, and C.P.E was 5.58, 3.44, and 3.92, respectively. Indicating that, cost of production accounted <20% for Ovaprim and <30% for both ovulin and C.P.E of the total variable cost. The production was more profitable with ovaprim than ovulin and C.P.E. The study has provided data, comparing the effectiveness of the hormones, revealing that the three hormones can be used for artificial propagation of H. longifilis with varied degree of economic implication. However, ovaprim is highly recommended to hatchery users for optimum performance. Keywords: H. longifilis, ovaprim, ovulin, C.P.E and economic evaluation.