In fish, the pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. Like in other vertebrates, it plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes by releasing hormones. The use of pituitary glands (PG) in fish breeding is a cornerstone of modern aquaculture, especially for carp species. PG is essential for induced breeding, where it stimulates ovulation and spawning, helping fish breeders maintain and expand fish populations.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Md. Liaquat Ali, an expert in the collection and processing of carp fish PG. In this article, we’ll explore his methods, the challenges he faces, and the impact of his work on the aquaculture industry.
Understanding Carp Fish PG and Its Importance
Pituitary glands are an integral part of induced breeding practices in aquaculture. By injecting PG into mature fish, breeders can prompt them to spawn, even outside their natural breeding seasons. This process is particularly important for carp species, which are widely cultivated due to their economic and nutritional value in Bangladesh. Liaquat Ali, with his deep knowledge and hands-on experience, has been contributing significantly to this field by providing high-quality Dry PG to farmers.
History:
Liaquat Ali has been involved in PG production for over 40 years, perfecting his process to ensure quality and consistency. In 1982, he had a vision of contributing something extraordinary. Now that vision comes true and many comapanies are trying to make dry PG nowadays.
1. Collection of PG from Fish Market: United Agro Fisheries (UAF) uses very effective and technical method of for collection of PG. They trained almost 2000 fish cutter from 10 different districts of Bangladesh (Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Bhola, Kushtia, Satkhira, Patuakhali, Dhaka, Bogura, Faridpur) with the help of World Fish Organization.
Fish cutter uses precise methods to extract the gland without compromising its potency by ensuring gland’s integrity. UAF collects PG in two steps. Agents who are assigned for particular fish market collect pg from fish cutter, then they supply it to United Agro Fisheries drying center.
2. Receiving and Cleaning: Agents supply PG that are contained in acetone solution so that its effectiveness lasts longer. Then UAF drying center cleans PG debris and Blood and send those PG to next processing unit
3. Acetone Decreasing: PG are then washed for acetone decreasing. Acetone is commonly used to preserve and dehydrate the glands during collection. However, residual acetone must be minimized to ensure the PG is suitable for subsequent use. This washing is typically done using multiple rinses with distilled water or ethanol under hygienic conditions to maintain the quality and purity of the glands.
4. Drying: Most important part of the processing is drying. The glands are dried to remove all moisture, which is essential to prevent microbial growth and degradation of hormonal activity. The drying process can be done in two primary ways:
Air Drying: Involves placing the glands in a controlled environment with adequate ventilation.
Oven Drying: Performed at a low temperature (usually between 35–40°C) to ensure uniform drying while preserving the bioactive compounds.
Proper drying ensures the glands remain stable during storage and maintain their potency when used in aquaculture.
5. Grading: After drying, the pituitary glands are graded according to their weight, size, and hormone content. This grading is critical for ensuring uniformity in dosage during use in fish breeding. The commonly followed grading system includes:
Grade A: 3 mg per piece – Large-sized glands, suitable for inducing large brood fish.
Grade B: 2 mg per piece – Medium-sized glands, used for average-sized brood fish.
Grade C: 1 mg per piece – Small-sized glands, often utilized for smaller brood fish.
Grading also allows buyers to choose the appropriate grade depending on their breeding program and fish species.
6. Labelling and Packaging:
Once graded, the glands are labelled to indicate their grade, weight, and processing details. Labels also include information such as batch numbers, production dates, and expiry dates for traceability.
Usually dry PG lasts for about 4 years.
The glands are packed in airtight containers, vials, or vacuum-sealed plastic pouches to protect them from moisture, contamination, and environmental degradation.
Now coming to the Quality Control measure. To ensure the glands retain their efficacy, Liaquat Ali employs rigorous quality control measures. He tests the PG for hormone potency and ensures proper storage, as temperature and moisture levels can significantly affect the PG’s quality. These practices underscore his commitment to delivering reliable products to his clients.
Important factors that affect PG production:
1. Sanitization
2. Temperature
3. Humidity
4. Time
5. IU
Challenges in PG Production:
Liaquat Ali faces several challenges in his line of work. One major difficulty is sourcing mature carp, as the demand for PG can fluctuate seasonally. Additionally, preserving the PG’s quality requires careful attention to storage conditions, which can be difficult in areas without reliable refrigeration.
The Impact of Liaquat Ali’s Work
By providing high-quality PG, Liaquat Ali has played a vital role in supporting the local aquaculture industry. His products have enabled fish breeders to optimize their breeding cycles and increase productivity, which is crucial in meeting the growing demand for fish in the market. Many local breeders have praised his PG for its consistency and effectiveness, which speaks to the high standards he maintains in his work.
Looking to the Future
When asked about the future of PG production, Liaquat Ali expressed optimism. He believes that as technology advances, new methods of preservation and potency testing will emerge, making PG production more efficient. He also noted that the increasing interest in sustainable aquaculture practices could drive further innovations in the field, potentially reducing reliance on traditional hormone sources and improving breeding outcomes.
In conclusion, we can say that Liaquat Ali’s work in carp fish PG production is a testament to the impact that dedication and expertise can have on aquaculture. Through his meticulous methods and commitment to quality, he supports fish breeders and contributes to the sustainability of fish populations. As aquaculture continues to grow, experts like Liaquat will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping its future.
