Effect of Solubilizing 17∝-Ethynyltestosterone in Three Different Solvents on Sex Reversal of Mozambique Tilapia

Abstract

This study compares the efficiency of (1) dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) + ethanol, (2) ethanol, and (3) acetone + ethanol in solubilizing I7∝-ethynyltestosterone (ET) for treatments in the production of all-male Mozambique tilapias (Oreochroinis mossambicus). Dietary administration of 5 mg ET/kg solubilized in DMSO + ethanol for 11 d, 50 mg ET/kg in ethanol for 11 d, or 50 mg ET/kg in acetone + ethanol for 20 d (to 9-d-old fry) resulted in the production of all-male tilapia populations. The solvent DMSO + ethanol was effective in bringing out the maximum efficiency of ET hormone in the sex reversal of tilapias. The hormone significantly (P < 0.0005) improved growth of the sex-reversed fry. Use of DMSO + ethanol reduced the cost of hormone-treated feed for sex reversal.