Gariepinus Broodstock Research Articles

Efficacy of Okra Leaf [Abelmoschus esculentus L.] Extract for Removal of Egg Adhesiveness During Artificial Propagation of African Catfish [Clarias gariepinus, Burchel 1822

This study evaluated the most effective immersion duration and concentration of okra leaf extract for removing the adhesive properties of Clarias gariepinus eggs. For the breeding experiment, a male and a female C. gariepinus broodstock, weighing 1.3 kg and 1.4 kg respectively, were used. The okra leaf extract was tested at three different concentrations: 1%, 3%, and 5%. Tannic acid at a concentration of 0.75 g per liter of water served as the reference de-adhesion agent, while plain water (without tannic acid or plant extract) was used as the control. The fish eggs were rinsed with the solutions for one, three, and five minutes. Each concentration and rinsing time were recorded in triplicate. The generated data was subjected to an Analysis of Variance Test, followed by a third order polynomial regression analysis to determine the best concentration and immersion period for removing C. gariepinus egg adhesiveness. The results of the study showed that the use of okra leaf extract at 1% lowest concentration and 1 minute immersion period was not significantly different (p>0.05) from the use of tannic acid solution. Therefore, this study found that okra leaf extract at 1% concentration with a one-minute immersion period can effectively remove egg adhesiveness and increase hatching in C. gariepinus.

Egg Quality and Fecundity of Clarias gariepinus Broodstock Cultured at Different Water Depths in Indoor Concrete Tanks

Aims: To investigate the fecundity and egg quality of C. gariepinus broodstock raised at 0.50 m, 0.75 m and 1.0 m pond water depth. Study Design: Treatments were assigned using complete randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: Fish Farm Complex of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Nigeria. Methodology: Nine female broodstock of C. gariepinus averaging 2.51 – 2.53 kg and 64.30 – 67.24 cm were raised for six months at 0.50 m, 0.75 m and 1.0 m pond water depth; referred to as treatments A, B and C, respectively Experimental fish were fed 42% crude protein commercial feed. The fecundity, relative fecundity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), egg weight and size were assessed. Results: The results revealed that the egg quality significantly (P=.00) increased with the water depth of the broodstock culture tank. Egg weight and GSI values from treatment C (363.40±0.57 g and 14.40±0.01 %, respectively) were significantly (P = .007) higher than those of treatment A (267.30±0.06 g and 10.66± 0.06 %, respectively) but showed no significant difference with those of Treatment B (331.07±1.20; 13.09±0.04 %). The corresponding egg diameter (1.01±00; 1.08±0.03 and 1.21± 0.01g), fecundity and relative fecundity of broodstock also increased with pond water depth (P = .003): 182,120.0±503.67, 72.66±0.40 > 185,618.3± 745.98, 73.37±0.18 > 188, 967.1± 295.19, 74.89±0.18, respectively. Conclusion: The water depth of the broodstock maintenance pond enhances fecundity and egg quality; it is better at 1.0 m depth for successful fry production. Broodstock may be maintained at lower pond water depths for growth purposes; prior to breeding.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) Root as Growth and Profertility Agent on the Reproductive Indices of Clarias gariepinus Broodstock

The nutritional composition and dietary effects of medicinal plants on aquatic animals have been ascertained through the improvement of the sexual performance of the fish leading to the production of improved egg quality and enhancing the fertility of sperm. The study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Maca Root Meal (MRM) on the growth and pro-fertility agent of C. gariepinus broodstock. Eighty C. gariepinus (400±0.01g) were used for the experiment. They were fed 5 compounded diets at different inclusion levels (0.0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50%) and denoted as MRM1 – MRM5 respectively of 40% crude protein at 3% body weight with 8 fish (4 males and 4 females) per treatment, replicate twice for 56 days. Measurements were taken on growth performance and reproductive indices at the end of feeding trials. The results showed that body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and production productive index were significantly higher (P<0.05) in MRM 4 compared to the control and other treated groups. The reproductive indices such as milt volume, motility duration, sperm counts, the weight of ovary, relative fecundity, hatchability and percentage fertilization were significant higher (P<0.05) in the treated groups when compared to the control. MRM5 recorded higher hatchability and percentage fertilization of 81.78 and 84.27% compared to the control of 62.11 and 71.53% respectively and there was a significant difference (P<0.05) among the dietary groups. Conclusively, the study revealed the therapeutic potential of maca root as growth and pro-fertility agent and that inclusion of 50% maca root meal in the diet of C. gariepinus broodstock could increase weight gain and better reproductive indices in male and female C. gariepinus broodstock.

Efficacy of Tannin Extract from Cape Gooseberry Root Physalis peruviana L. as Egg De-Adhesion Agent during Artificial Propagation of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus Burchell

The study assessed the best immersion period and concentrations of the Cape gooseberry root Physalis peruviana that can efficiently remove egg adhesiveness of Clarias gariepinus. One male and one female C. gariepinus brood stock weighing 1.0 kg and 1.3 kg respectively, were used for the experiment. Three different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) of tannin extract from Cape gooseberry root were used. Tannic acid (0.75g) diluted in 1 litre of water was used as reference de-adhesion agent, while water was used as control. The fish eggs were rinsed with the solutions at different durations of 0.5, 1 and 2 minutes. Each concentration and rinsing time was recorded in triplicates. Data generated were subjected to Univariate Analysis of Variance Test, and third order Polynomial regression analysis was then used to determine the best concentration and immersion period that neutralizes adhesiveness in eggs of C. gariepinus. Results of the study showed that there were no significant differences (p≤0.05) in the non-adhesive eggs and hatching of eggs immersed in tannin extract from Cape gooseberry root and Tannic acid solution but significantly different from the control. Therefore, this study showed that tannin extract from Cape gooseberry root at 1% concentration and 1 minute immersion period is more efficient for egg adhesion and increase hatching in C. gariepinus.

Comparative Studies of Some Biochemical Characteristics of Seminal Plasma in Wild and Cultured Male Catfish (<em>Clarias gariepinus</em>), Burchell, 1822 Broodstock

Purpose: In aquaculture, the most important aspect to consider is ensuring the development of valuable offspring by using high-quality gametes from fish broodstock. This research aims to compare the biochemical constituents of seminal plasma in both wild and cultured Clarias gariepinus broodstock. Research Method: Apparently healthy adult male Clarias gariepinus (n=9, 900±300g mean weight per fish type (wild or cultured), 49±8.5cm mean total length) were collected from fishermen on the Oshin River, Nigeria for the wild samples and from a reputable fish farm in Ilorin and examined for some seminal plasma’s biochemical parameters following standard procedures. T-test statistics were used to compare the differences between classes. Findings: Higher values of most of the semen biochemical compositions were recorded among the cultured Clarias gariepinus with significant variations (p<0.05) recorded in the mean values of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-Cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDLCholesterol), uric acid, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, albumin, potassium, chloride and urea. Creatinine, glucose, sodium, and triglycerides, on the other hand, did not vary significantly (p>0.05) between cultured and wild Clarias gariepinus semen. Originality/ Value: The current study’s findings on biochemical compositions could lead to more effective gamete management, higher yields, and improved semen suitability for short-term storage.

Dietary effects of supplementation of cattle stick Carpolobia lutea leaf on growth and reproductive indices of male and female Clarias gariepinus broodstock

Males and females broodstock of Clarias gariepinus (mean weight, 884.00±2.83g) were subjected to dietary supplementation of Cattle Stick (Carpolobia lutea) Leaf (CSL) at different inclusion levels of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% to evaluate the efficacy of the plant for growth performance and fertility enhancer. Clarias gariepinus broodstock (96) were allocated into 12 experimental fibre tanks at 8 fish per tank (4 males and 4 females) fed 40% crude protein at 3% body weight twice daily for 56 days. Each treatment was done in triplicate. Biological evaluation and reproductive indices were measured. There was significant difference (P0.05) in weight gained by fish fed experimental diets. Fish fed experimental diets containing CSL showed significantly higher (P 0.05) reproductive indices compared to the control diet. 0.5% inclusion level of CSL showed better performance in term of growth performance and reproductive indices and may be considered to be the best tolerance inclusion level for growth performance and fertility enhancer. The results of the study indicate that incorporating Cattle stick leaf diets in fish feed at 0.5% may have the potential for growth performance and fertility-enhancing agent in male and female C. gariepinus broodstock.Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Carpolobia lutea leaf Growth, Reproductive indices, Broodstock

A Comparative Study on the Gonadosomatic Index and Milt Volume of Four Populations of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Broodstock Strains from North-East Nigeria

This study was carried out to compare and assess the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Milt Volume of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from four population strains in the North-East of Nigeria. The broodstocks for the experiment were collected from lake Alau in Borno State, Lake Dadin Kowa in Gombe State, Lake Maladumba in Bauchi State and Lake Mayo Ranewo in Taraba State. The experiment was carried out at the hatchery complex of the Department of Fisheries, University of Maiduguri. A total of eighty C. gariepinus, twenty from each lake were collected. Standard methods were used to determine the gonadosomatic index and milt volume of the broodstock fish. The result obtained showed that the highest GSI value in males was 0.48±0.14 for fish caught from Lake Mayo Ranewo and the lowest GSI in males value was 0.28±0.01 for fish caught from Lake Maladumba. While the highest GSI value in females was 9.18±2.48 for fish caught from Lake Maladumba and the lowest GSI in females value was 4.06±0.65 for fish caught from Lake Dadin Kowa. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) on the GSI among the males and females fish broodstocks among Lakes The highest milt volume 2.66±0.16 was recorded for fish caught from Lake Mayo Ranewo and the lowest milt volume in males value was 2.32±0.11 and 2.32±0.11 for fish caught from Lake Alau and Lake Dadin Kowa respectively. The results obtained in this study have increase our knowledge on the reproductive biology of wild C. gariepinus from the North-East of Nigeria and have also provided relevant information for fisheries and aquaculture management as well as breeding programmes.

Growth performance, nutrient utilization, haematology and serum biochemistry of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) broodstock fed varying levels of Aspilia africana leaves-paste

Dietary supplementation with phytobiotics is a promising area in fish nutrition towards promoting the growth and health status of cultured fish. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of Aspilia africana leaves-paste (AAL) on the growth, haematology and serum biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus broodstock. Experiment was carried out in a 24 net-happa (0.6m x 1.07m x 1.2m) suspended in an earthen pond (30 m x 5 m x 1.2m). Forty-eight (7 months old fish, 24 males (0.80±0.04kg) and 24 females (0.70±0.03kg)) were stocked at two fish per net-happa under four treatments in six replicates in a completely randomized design. Four diets (40% crude protein) were formulated to contained: control (0%); AAL1 (0.5%); AAL2 (1%) and AAL3 (1.5%). Fish were fed ad libitum twice daily for 16 weeks. Data on all parameters were analyzed using ANOVA. The highest mean weight gain, MWG: 3.13±0.15kg and lowest feed conversion ratio, FCR: 1.30± 0.04 were recorded in broodstock fed 1.5% AAL3. The lowest MWG (1.27±0.03kg) and highest FCR: 1.72±0.03) were obtained in broodstock fed control diet. The lowest packed cell volume: 15.83 ± 0.17 % and haemoglobin: 5.25 ± 0.1 (g/dL) were recorded in fish fed 1% and 1.5% AAL. No significant differences in the total protein and creatinine values obtained between fish fed 1% and 1.5% AAL. The study recommended the dietary inclusion of 1.5% A. africana leaves-paste to effectively promote growth and nutrient utilization of cultured C. gariepinus broodstock

Efficacy of Aloe vera Gel and Water-leaf Extracts for Removal of Egg Adhesiveness during Artificial Propagation of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchel 1822)

The paper aims to study the best immersion period and concentration of the plant extracts under study (water-leaf and Aloe vera gel) that can efficiently remove egg adhesiveness of Clarias gariepinus. Data generated were subjected to Multivariate Analysis of Variance Test, Tukey multiple range tests was used as a follow up procedure. Third order Polynomial regression analysis was then used to determine the best concentration and immersion period that neutralizes adhesiveness in eggs of C. gariepinus. The experiment was carried out at The Teaching and Research Fish Farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure, between October 2018 to December 2018. One male and one female C. gariepinus brood stock weighing 1.0 kg and 1.3 kg, respectively were used for the experiment. Three different concentrations (1, 3, and 5)% of the plant extracts were used. 2 g of urea diluted in 4 g NaCl/L of water was used as reference de-adhesion agent, while water without urea solution nor plant extracts was used as control. The fish eggs were rinsed with the solutions at different durations of 1, 3 and 5 minutes. Each concentration and rinsing time was recorded in duplicates. Results of the study showed that there were no significant differences (p=0.05) in the non-adhesive egg hatching of eggs immersed in Aloe vera gel and Urea solution. Number of non-adhesive egg and hatching increased in waterleaf extract which was significantly different (P=0.05) from eggs immersed in Aloe vera gel and water but not significantly different from urea solution. Therefore this study shows that waterleaf extract at 1% concentration and 1 minute immersion period can efficiently remove egg adhesiveness and increase hatching in C. gariepinus.

Biomarkers of toxicity in Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Physiological, biochemical and histological indices in Clarias gariepinus broodstock, and teratogenic indices in embryos exposed to sublethal concentrations of naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene were investigated in 2014 using a static-renewal bioassay protocol. Phenanthrene (1.41 mg l−1) was the most toxic, followed by pyrene (1.53 mg l−1) and naphthalene (7.21 mg l−1), based on 96 h LC50 values. Hepatosomatic indices were significantly higher in naphthalene- and pyrene-treated males compared with solvent controls, whereas fecundity in females was significantly lower by factors of 2.4 (naphthalene), 2.8 (phenanthrene) and 2.4 (pyrene), compared with controls. Catalase levels were lower in female phenanthrene-treated fish compared with controls. Histological alterations observed in PAH-treated fish include oedema, inflammatory cells, epithelial lifting and hyperplasia in the gills, vacuolation, haemosiderin pigments and sinusoidal congestion in the liver, and degenerated zona radiata in the ovary. Teratogenic effects were not observed, as evidenced by the lack of histological alterations in embryos spawned from pre-exposed broodstock. Sex-specific responses and the utility of biomarkers at cellular and individual levels of organisation are therefore demonstrated for holistic evaluations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ecotoxicological studies.

Effects of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Brood-stocks Egg Combination on Hatchability and Survival of Fish Larvae

Fish seed production of catfish and tilapia has been successfully carried out in Nigeria. Despite the success, there still exist a wide gap between fish seed demand and supply, this therefore necessitate increased research for development. This project is aimed to study the effects of Clarias gariepinus brood-stocks’ egg combination on hatchability and survival of fish larvae. 2 females gravid Clarias gariepinus brood stock size (800-900 g) were injected with pituitary gland hormone at 3 mg kg-1 of body weight. Milt gotten from the selected male was mixed with collected eggs of injected females after the expiration of latency period. 1/3 of the eggs collected from T1 (first female brood stock) and T2 (second female brood stock) were combined and recorded as T3 (mixture of 1/3 of T1 and T2). Each of T1, T2 and T3 were replicated as T11, T12, T13, T21, T22, T23, T31, T32, T33. Each of the replicated fertilized egg was spread in a monolayer pattern on a 1 mm diameter net in nine 0.8 m × 0.8 m × 0.8 m aquarium tank under a recirculatory system. Water quality, fecundity, fertilization rate and survivability of fish were determined. The data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p < 0.05 significant level. The percentage fertilization was 62.34a, 61.98a and 62.75a for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The percentage hatchability was 52.11a, 50.32a and 51.51a for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The survivability result shows relatively high survival rate in treatment T1 and T2, while the rate of survival in T3 was very low. Egg combination does not have effect on fertilization rate and hatchability of eggs; however, it reduces the survival of larvae. In order to increase survival of catfish fry, it is important to avoid mixture of eggs from multiple brood fish.

Variations in some reproductive indices of same sizes of induced broodstocks of &lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus&lt;/i&gt; from domestic and wild sources

Induced breeding experiments was carried out using broodstocks of different sizes from two sources, Domestic (d) and Wild (w), with three treatments: (Trt1) Big male X Small female, (Trt II) Small male X Big female and (Trt III) Equal male X Equal female. Fecundity and weights of eggs, increased with increase in weight of female, this was highest in Trt II with big females of 2000 g, followed by Trt III with equal weight (1000g) of male and female and lowest in Trt I with small females of 700 g females. The gonadsomatic index decreased with increase in weight of the fish. Percentage fertilization was significantly higher P>0.01 in d (70%) than w (50%) in trt1, same value of 50 % was recorded for the two sources in trt II, d (70%) was significantly higher P>0.01 than W (50%) in trt III. Hatching rate was significantly higher P>0.01 in d (65%) than w (45%) in trt I, no significance difference in d and w for trt II, d (62%) was significantly higher P>0.01 than w (45%) in trt III. Mean weight of hatchlings was significantly different in trt I only with d (1.42 mg) higher than w (1.30 mg). Keywords: Reproductive indices, Clarias gariepinus broodstock, wild, domestic

Dietary effects of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) on the reproductive indices in male African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) broodstock

Dietary effects of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) on the reproductive indices in male African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) broodstock

Reproductive performance of partial gonadectomized male African catfish, Clarias gariepinus broodstocks

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial gonadectomy on reproductive performance of male Clarias gariepinus broodstock. Testes from C. gariepinus broodstock were surgically removed; 25% of the testes (Treatment 1), 50% of the testes (Treatment 2), 75% of the testes (Treatment 3), and removal of the sperm from the testes sac using syringe after the abdominal cavity had been cut open (Treatment 4) {control}. The incisions were sutured and the fish kept inside separate concrete tanks for 4 mo. The incisions closed up within 8 to 9 wk of surgery. The postsurgical survival of C. gariepinus was 100%, indicating the efficiency of the surgical procedure. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in sperm production, percentage fertilization, hatchability and survival of the larvae using sperm derived from regenerated testes of the partially gonadectomized C. gariepinus and nongonadectomized C. gariepinus. It also reveals that partial gonadectomy could not alter the quality of sperm production of C. gariepinus. Sperm derived from regenerated testes performed effectively for fertilization of eggs. Based on the results of this study, the removal of 75% of testes during partial gonadectomy proved to be the best as the total number of spermatozoa was more than that of other methods and the sperm was able to fertilize more eggs. Hence the removal of 75% of testis during partial gonadectomy of C. gariepinus is recommended based on the results of this study.

The growth and gonadal maturation of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) broodstock fed differently heated soybean-based diets

An investigation was carried out to assess the growth and gonadal maturation of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) fed differently heated soybean diets in concrete tanks. Four hundred and eighty male and female C. gariepinus (182 ± 10 g for females and 208 ± 5 g for males) were randomly distributed in groups into hapa nets. Iso-nitrogenous (310 g kg⁻¹ crude protein) and iso-caloric diets (355 Kcal kg⁻¹) prepared from raw soybean (D0) and soybean autoclaved for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min labelled D0, D5, D10, D15, D20, D25 and D30, were fed to the fish for 84 days. The fish meal based diet tagged DFM served as control. The male and female broodfish fed the fish-meal-based diet and diet D25 had significantly higher (P < 0.05) growth performance, gonad maturation, gonadosomatic index, relative fecundity and percentage egg fertilization and hatchability than the fish fed the other diets. The females had significantly higher (P < 0.05) weight increases and healthier condition over their male counterparts fed the same diets. This study showed that diet D25 was found to be the best substitute for fish meal that provided adequate nutrients required for the formation of genital products that produced strong offspring in C. gariepinus broodstock culture.