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Comparative Evaluation of Tribulus terrestris Hydroalcoholic Extract and 17α-Methyltestosterone for Sex Reversal in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Using Immersion Treatment
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Roghayah Mahmoudi1   , Mohammad meysam Salahi ardakani1 * , Sayed Abdolhamid Hhosseini1 , Abolhassan Rastiannasab1 |
| 1-Shahid Motahary Cold water Fishes Genetic and breeding Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Yasoj, Iran , mmsalahi.a@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (60 Views) |
The production of mono-sex populations, is a key strategy for improving growth performance and production management in aquaculture. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract of Tribulus terrestris as a phytoandrogen source in comparison with the synthetic hormone 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) for masculinization of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during the critical period of sex differentiation. A total of 15,000 newly hatched larvae (mean weight: 121 ± 8 mg) were randomly allocated to horizontal incubators. During a 7-week treatment period, larvae were exposed once per week to immersion baths containing different concentrations of T. terrestris extract (20, 40,and 80 mL L⁻¹) or 17α-methyltestosterone (400 µg L⁻¹). A control group without hormonal or plant extract treatment was also included. The results showed that the highest masculinization rates were observed in the MT-treated group (85.61 ± 1.52%) followed by the T. terrestris extract at 20 mL L⁻¹ (68.47 ± 1.18%), both of which were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Notably, higher extract concentrations (40 and 80 mL L⁻¹) induced severe toxicity, resulting in complete larval mortality within the first two weeks of treatment. No significant differences in survival rate were detected among the remaining treatments. Histological examination of gonadal tissues in larvae treated with 20 mL L⁻¹ T. terrestris extract revealed normal testicular structure without detectable pathological alterations. Overall, these findings suggest that immersion treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of T. terrestris at a concentration of 20 mL L⁻¹ may represent a safe and promising alternative approach for inducing masculinization in rainbow trout. Nevertheless, further optimization of dosage and treatment protocols is required to enhance efficacy while minimizing potential toxic effects. |
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| Keywords: Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Masculinization, 17 alpha methyl testosterone, Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/05/27 | Accepted: 2026/02/24
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