MANEJO REPRODUTIVO DE RÃ-TOURO Lithobates catesbeianus

Abstract

The objective was to carry out a literature review on the reproductive management of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), addressing the management of the reproductive sector, both natural and artificial, in the same way, to facilitate future research on bullfrog breeding, also showing the stages of the bullfrog's production cycle. A systematic data search was adopted, using the following databases: Scielo, Scopus and Google Scholar. Articles, dissertations, theses, books and technical manuals were selected to construct the literature review. The bullfrog is the species most used by farm frog breeders. However, little information is available about the reproductive cycle of this species in frogs, making adequate management of the herd difficult. In Brazil, it reproduces up to twice a year, with the reproduction period being between September and April in the South and Southeast regions. The reproduction sector comprises a maintenance area (separate male and female pen) and a mating area made up of pools. In natural reproduction, it must take place in environmental conditions in which the frogs are found in nature. Now in artificial reproduction there is human interference, applying the gonadotropin-releasing hormone for mating to occur. It is concluded that comparing both natural and artificial reproduction has been effective, as long as management is done correctly. The success of frog farming essentially depends on nutritional and reproductive management. There are few studies available and more research must be carried out to resolve the problems present in the reproduction of bullfrogs.