Digital radiography and ultrasonography imaging to detect maturity of reproductive organs of consumption catfish (Clarias sp.)

Abstract

Sex of consumption catfish and maturity of the reproductive organs are difficult to be determined by observing with our bare eyes. Generally, incision is done by cutting the abdominal region for validation of organ maturity. Hence, more precise methods are necessary to be developed that will not cause harm to the animal. This research aims to examine and assess the reproductive organs of consumption catfish (Clarias sp.) by using digital radiography and ultrasonography. Plain and contrast radiography and ultrasonography images of the catfish were taken and analyzed. Necropsy was then performed to validate and compare the organs to the X-ray and ultrasound images if they have same features and characteristics. The organs were unable to be distinguished in plain radiography because they are mostly radiolucent. The contrast radiography was able to distinguish between undeveloped, pre-mature and matured organs in male and female catfish. While in ultrasonography, the gonads were unclear when viewing the undeveloped gonads due to the small size of the organs and fish, compared to other research where the mature gonads are present. Contrast radiography was more effective in viewing the three maturity stages of the reproductive organs.

Jenis kelamin ikan lele konsumsi dan kematangan organ reproduksi sulit ditentukan dengan pengamatan dengan mata telanjang. Umumnya, sayatan dilakukan dengan memotong daerah perut untuk validasi kematangan organ. Oleh karena itu, perlu dikembangkan metode yang lebih tepat yang tidak akan membahayakan hewan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memeriksa dan menilai organ reproduksi ikan lele konsumsi (Clarias sp.) dengan menggunakan radiografi digital dan ultrasonografi. Gambar radiografi polos dan kontras serta ultrasonografi ikan lele diambil dan dianalisis. Nekropsi kemudian dilakukan untuk memvalidasi dan membandingkan organ dengan gambar X-ray dan USG jika memiliki fitur dan karakteristik yang sama. Organ-organ tersebut tidak dapat dibedakan pada radiografi polos karena sebagian besar radiolusen. Radiografi kontras mampu membedakan antara organ yang belum berkembang, prematur dan matang pada ikan lele jantan dan betina. Sementara pada ultrasonografi, gonad tidak jelas ketika melihat gonad yang belum berkembang karena ukuran organ dan ikan yang kecil, dibandingkan dengan penelitian lain di mana gonad yang matang hadir. Radiografi kontras lebih efektif dalam melihat tiga tahap kematangan organ reproduksi.