Reproductive Performance of Asian Catfish (Hemibagrus wyckii, Bleeker, 1858)-Preliminary Study

Abstract

Feed level is an important factor that affects oocyte maturation of female Hemibagrus wyckii broodstock. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different feed levels (700, 1,400 and 2,100 g lokan meat per day) on the reproductive performance of female broodfish (initial weight: 2.800±296 g and initial length: 353.2±55.5 mm). Materials and Methods: Four experimental and three replicate ponds were used to evaluate the reproductive performance of female broodfish. Broodfish fed formulated feed was used as a control. Five female broodfish were cultured in each pond. Female broodfish were fed lokan meat once a day at 17.00 pm during 120 days of the experiments. Results: The nutritional content of lokan meat (wet base) were 7.08% crude protein, 0.82% crude lipid, 2.44% carbohydrate, 0.29% crude ash and 89.37% moisture content. Feed levels significantly (p<0.05) affected final weight, oocyte maturation, egg size, percentage of ovulation, number of egg per spawn, percentage of egg weight and embryo survival. Conclusion: Feed with 2,100 g lokan meat per day provided the best result for reproductive performance of female Hemibagrus wyckii broodfish.