WATCH HOW TO REMOVE THE PITUITARY GLAND OF A CATFISH

Undoubtedly, nature is wonderful and awesome. Every creature was wonderfully created; all creatures have distinctive features that make them unique. One of such is the pituitary gland, also called a master gland or the powerhouse of an individual; it is present in all living things and controls all the activities of a living thing. The pituitary gland is located at the lower part of the brain; it is a very tiny whitish tissue that contains gonadotropin hormones.

These hormones are responsible for the ovulation and sexual maturity of animals, both male and female. In fish production, it is used to hasten the maturation of the eggs of the female fish for commercial purposes, thus, making reproduction fast and economical. Naturally, fish have a particular time for spawning, that is, when their eggs mature and releases for the male to fertilize; this is known as external fertilization and it is done in their natural habitat. However, the domestication of fish for commercial purpose has fostered the need to modify the spawning period of fish to a regular and timely period to aid production.

 

HOW THE PITUITARY GLAND IS USED IN FISH PRODUCTION

Farmers often use chemicals such as ovaprime to hasten the eggs maturation within a relatively short period; this is called artificial breeding because the male sperm is released artificially. Artificial breeding is the method commercial fish farmers use to reproduce young fish; it is economical and very easy to carry out.

Naturally, only matured fish release their eggs; so also in artificial breeding, matured fish are used to initiate production. The quest for organic farming has made fish farmers consider the use of pituitary gland to aid spawning, since the gland contains hormone that initiates ovulation and sexual maturity. This gland is removed from the head of the fish; it is very delicate and must be removed with great caution. The skull of the fish is lacerated with the aid of a sharp knife or hack saw; the skull bones are removed gently to expose the brain.

The gland is located just below the brain, it is whitish in color and suspended below the brain of the fish. It is easily located and removed gently with either the tip of the knife or forceps. After its removal, it can be used immediately by dissolving in salt solution or saline water. However, it can also be preserved.

 

HOW TO PRESERVE PITUITARY GLAND

Pituitary gland can be preserved for future use in several ways; although, it is best used immediately after its removal.  It can be stored in any of the following medium:

• Organic solvent: Organic solvents are alcohol; like ethanol, propanol or methylated spirit. The gland can be kept in any of the aforementioned compounds and stored in a cool shady place at room temperature or refrigerated.  

• Acetone: Acetone is a colorless and volatile organic compound. It dehydrates the gland, thus, keeping it for a long period

• Instant freezing: The pituitary gland is subjected to instant freezing by storing in the freezer.

Using pituitary gland in fish breeding is an organic way of breeding; there is not precise dosage for its use and it has been proven to be very effective in egg maturation effect and cheap. If you intent to practice organic fish farming, use pituitary gland for your egg maturation.