Work

Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing reproductive traits of female Clarias magur in a line selected for improved harvest body weight

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Indian catfish species Clarias magur is a potential candidate for aquaculture. ICAR-CIFE is implementing a genetic selection programme to harness its production potential by improving harvest body weight. This study estimated genetic parameters and quantified the effects of non-genetic factors on female reproductive traits in selectively bred individuals. Reproductive traits were recorded from 593 individuals across 174 families over three generations during spawning seasons from 2016 to 2021. The spawning age significantly affected all reproductive traits, while the spawning year and pond significantly affected pre-stripping weight (preSW) and post-stripping weight (postSW). Heritability estimates for preSW, postSW, total egg weight (TEW) and egg weight to body weight ratio (EBI) were 0.42 ± 0.07, 0.49 ± 0.07, 0.36 ± 0.08 and 0.26 ± 0.07, respectively. Genetic correlations between reproductive traits ranged from -0.41 to 0.98. The heritability estimates of reproductive traits suggest potential for genetic improvement. The genetic correlation between the preSW and TEW (0.33 ± 0.15) indicates a moderate association, suggesting that selecting magur for body weight may lead to a favourable correlated response in TEW. The overall spawning success was 37.60 %, with 41.69 % males and 34.85% females. The heritability estimates for spawning success were near zero (0 for combined, 0.016±0.05 for males, and 0 for females). These estimates indicate that standardising management practices in broodstock and breeding procedures is essential to improve spawning success. Overall, improving the body weight of magur may also improve egg production in this species.

Source: Aquaculture

DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2026.743690

Authors: Kishor B. Gowda, Shrinivas Jahageerdar, Mujahidkhan Pathan, Jayasankar Jayaraman

Institutions: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,910