Light spectra influence the reproductive performance and expression of immune and anti-oxidative defense genes in endangered golden mahseer (Tor putitora) female brooders

Abstract

Present study was aimed to assess the effects of different light spectra on reproductive performance and mRNA expression of some immune and anti-oxidant defense genes in endangered golden mahseer. The relative fecundity of brooders and fertilization rate of eggs did not change due to different light spectra. Whereas there was significantly higher rate of hatching (%) of eggs and survival (%) of fry obtained from brooders reared in white and green light compared to blue light. No significant effect of light spectra was observed on the expression levels of il1β, il10, tlr5, and inos. There was a linear increase in the relative expression of serum amyloid A (saa) (Y = 1.980x – 0.118, R2 = 0.972) and igl (Y = 1.077x + 0.093, R2 = 0.998) from white light to green light with maximum values found under green light. The mhc1 level was higher in white and green lights compared to blue spectra. A positive linear correlation was noticed between mRNA expression of crfb4 and hatching percentage (Y = 13.95x + 69.07, R2 = 0.920) of the eggs as well as survival percentage of fry (Y = 0.054x – 3.520, R2 = 0.985) obtained from brooders under different light spectra. The expression levels of all three anti-oxidative defense genes were significantly and similarly affected by light spectra. The maximum expression of anti-oxidative genes was registered in white light, and the minimum was observed in blue light. Overall, the results suggested a higher reproductive performance and immune status of golden mahseer female brooders reared under green light. Hence, green lights could be a better option for broodstock management of golden mahseer in captive conditions.