Genetic Assessment of Fertilization, Hatchability and Survival Rate of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus; Burchell, 1822) Broodstock of River Donga Nigeria

Abstract

The study on Breeding supernova of Clarias gariepinus genetic groups from River Donga Nigeria was carried out from February 2020 – March 2021 to investigate reproductive supernova among the genetic population of C. gariepinus of river Donga. Thirty (30) fish samples were utilised for the molecular analysis. DNA specimens were prepared for sequencing following standard laboratory procedure. Fish samples of the genetic groups were injected with synthetic hormone, after latency period they fish were strip of its eggs according to their haplotype’s groups, fertilized and were assessed for reproductive success and survival in the genotypes inbred (Hap1 ♀D x Hap1 ♂D   and  Hap3 ♀D x Hap3 ♂D) and crossbred Hap1 ♀D x Hap3♂D and Hap1 ♂D x Hap3 ♀D). The result reveal fertilization of 68.90±3.40 which was recorded in inbred haplotypes 3 (Hap3 ♀D x Hap3 ♂D) while higher hatchability of 54.03±7.23 was also observed in the inbreed of haplotype 3 (Hap3 ♀D x Hap3 ♂D) and survival of 91.71% in inbred of haplotype 1 (Hap1 ♀B x Hap1 ♂B) was recorded. Water quality parameters show positive correlation with reproductive indices. Therefore, the haplotypes, crossing method used in this research can be utilized to manage genetic resources and boost aquaculture production.