Fecundity and Gonadosomatic Index of Sucker Throat Catfish, Pseudecheneis sulcata (McClelland, 1842) from the Snow-fed Tamor River in Eastern Nepal

In comparison to other nations, the Nepalese information on the reproductive biology of hill-stream fish is limited. So, the purpose of the present study was to provide information related to reproductive biology of a hill-stream sucker throat catfish Pseudecheneis sulcata from the snow-fed Tamor River, Nepal. The study was carried out from June 2018 to May 2019. A total of 57 female fish was collected. The fecundity of 22 females was assessed, while the gonadosomatic index was determined using all the collected samples. The absolute fecundity ranged from 2,316 to 7,597 eggs, with an average of 3,660 ± 210. This range of absolute fecundity indicates that Pseudecheneis sulcata is a moderately fecund fish when compared to certain low fecund species and some exceptionally fecund fish with tens of thousands of eggs. Relative fecundity ranged from 65.47 to 129.11 with a mean of 88.98 ± 4.35. The present study demonstrated that absolute fecundity was moderately correlated with total length (r = 0.45) and strongly linked with body weight (r = 0.78), and ovary weight (r = 0.80). Mean gonadosomatic index (GSI) was recorded the highest in January (15.7 ± 1.22%), and showed a decrease in the subsequent month of February (10.3 ± 0.75%), March (6.25 ± 0.28%) and April (1.66 ± 0.40%). The trends of GSI might have indicated that the sucker throat catfish was a batch spawner, with spawning season occuring between January and March.

PSVII-3 Evaluation of dietary OmniGen AF supplementation and PG600 injection on reproductive characteristics of gilts

A cooperative study evaluated effects of supplemental dietary OmniGen AF (OG; Phibro Animal Health Corporation) on reproductive characteristics of gilts. Crossbred gilts (n = 56; initial body weight = 152.3 ± 9.7 kg) were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design [diet (OG or control) and PG600 (Merck Animal Health, El Dora, KS) injection (Yes or No)]. Dietary treatments were: 1) corn-SBM basal diet (control) that met NRC (2012) requirement estimates, or 2) control plus 0.75% OG and were fed 35 to 40 d prior to breeding. A common diet formulation was used by both stations. Gilts were estrous-synchronized by 14-d feeding of Matrix (Merck Animal Health). PG600 injections occurred 24 hours after Matrix withdrawal. Gilts were weighed at breeding and preslaughter (at d 39 to 48 postbreeding) and were euthanized to evaluate reproductive characteristics. There were no OG x PG600 interactions on any response measures (P > 0.15). Mean responses did not differ (P > 0.20) when gilts were fed control or OG diets, respectively, for total uterus weight (6,065 vs. 5,883 g), uterine horn length (129.2 vs. 123.9 cm), ovary weight (9.66 vs. 9.94 g), total corpora lutea (CL) number (25.0 vs. 25.3), individual CL weight (0.41 vs. 0.43 g), total follicular fluid weight (3.17 vs. 3.03 g), individual placenta weight (86.3 vs. 86.4 g), total fetuses (14.2 vs. 13.0), and fetus crown-rump length (7.97 vs. 7.66 cm). Supplementation with OG reduced (P = 0.04) individual placenta fluid volume of gilts (150.6 vs. 115.4 mL). PG600 injection increased (P < 0.001) ovary weight (9.03 vs. 10.57 g), total CL (18.09 vs 32.27) and reduced CL weight (0.46 vs. 0.38 g). The results demonstrated classic PG600 responses on reproductive characteristics but no effects of 0.75% OG supplementation nor an interaction between the two factors.

Reproductive Biology of Bagrus bayad (Forskal, 1775) from Jibiya Dam of Katsina State, Nigeria

Investigation on the Reproductive Biology of Bagrus bayad in Jibiya Dam from Katsina State, Nigeria was carried out from July – December 2019 using standard procedures. One hundred and sixteen (116) samples of B. bayad were harvested and collected during the study period in order to determine sex ratio, fecundity and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of the fish species. Results indicated that the male:female sex ratio was 1.3:1 which was not significantly different from the hypothetical 1:1 (p>0.05). It was also found that the GSI of B. bayad was highest in July (0.23) and lowest in October (0.12). The relationship between fecundity and ovary weight was positively significant (p<0.05). Similarly, there was a significant positive relationship between fecundity and body weight as well as between ovary weight and age (p<0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between ovary weight and body weight, body weight and age and between fecundity and age (p>0.05). It is recommended that comparative study on the stages of maturity of male and female B. bayad in Jibiya Dam be investigated.

Obesity alters the ovarian proteomic response to zearalenone exposure

Zearalenone (ZEN), a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin, is detrimental to female reproduction. Altered chemical biotransformation, depleted primordial follicles and a blunted genotoxicant response have been discovered in obese female ovaries, thus, this study investigated the hypothesis that obesity would enhance ovarian sensitivity to ZEN exposure. Seven week old female wild type non-agouti KK.Cg-a/a mice (lean) and agouti lethal yellow KK.Cg-Ay/J mice (obese) received food and water ad libitum, and either saline or ZEN (40 μg/Kg) per os for 15 days. Body and organ weights, and estrous cyclicity were recorded, and ovaries collected post-euthanasia for protein analysis. Body and liver weights were increased (P &lt; 0.05) in the obese mice, but obesity did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) heart, kidney, spleen, uterus, or ovary weight and there was no impact (P &gt; 0.05) of ZEN exposure on body or organ weight in lean or obese mice. Obese mice had shorter proestrus (P &lt; 0.05) and a tendency (P = 0.055) for longer metestrus/diestrus. ZEN exposure in obese mice increased estrus but shortened metestrus/diestrus length. Neither obesity or ZEN exposure impacted (P &gt; 0.05) circulating 17β-estradiol or progesterone, or ovarian abundance of EPHX1, GSTP1, CYP2E1, ATM, BRCA1, DNMT1, HDAC1, H4K16ac, or H3K9me3. Lean mice exposed to ZEN had a minor increase in γH2AX abundance (P &lt; 0.05). In lean and obese mice, LC–MS/MS identified alterations to proteins involved in chemical metabolism, DNA repair and reproduction. These data identify ZEN-induced adverse ovarian modes of action and suggest that obesity is additive to ZEN-induced ovotoxicity.

Biology of reproduction in Otolithoides pama (Hamilton, 1822) in Hooghly-Matlah Estuary of West Bengal, India

Pama croaker, Otolithoides pama (Hamilton, 1822) is one of the commercially important demersal fish of Hooghly-Matlah estuarine system, West Bengal, India. Reproductive biology of 618 samples of O. pama (Hamilton, 1822) collected from the Hooghly-Matlah estuarine system of West Bengal, India for a period of 18 months (November 2016 to April 2018) was investigated. The total length (TL), body weight (BW) and ovary weight (OW) of the samples varied from 100-384 mm, 7.29-470.71 g and 1.5-29.49 g, respectively. The sex distribution was 1 male for 1.07 female and the ratio did not differ statistically. The length at first maturity (Lm) was recorded as 183 mm for males and 196 mm for females. The reproductive activity was found throughout the year with three peak spawning season with high gonadosomatic index (GSI) values, i. e., during February-March, June and September-November. The absolute fecundity ranged from 4652 to 170688 eggs (24950±32441.2) and relative fecundity ranged from 96 to 808 eggs per g body weight (382±176.83). Fecundity exhibited a relatively higher significant correlation with ovary weight (r = 0.973, p<0.01), compared to total length, total weight and ovary length. Egg diameter frequency showed polymodal distribution, indicating that the species is a batch or asynchronous spawner.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF HATCHERY-BRED, WILD-CAUGHT BROODSTOCK, AND THEIR OUTBREED OF THE AFRICAN CATFISH Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

This study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of hatchery-bred and wild-caught broodstock of Clarias gariepinus. Thirty pairs of each hatchery-bred and wild-caught broodstock (15 females and 15 males) was used for the study. Induced breeding was carried out in four groups with three replications at a ratio of 1:1 by hypophysation method. Group A: hatchery-bred male and hatchery-bred female (HBM m + HBF f); B: wild-caught male and wild-caught female (WCM m + WCF f), C: hatchery-bred female and wild-caught male (HBF f+ WCM m) and D: wild-caught female and hatchery-bred male C. gariepinus (WCF f + HBM m). Results showed that egg diameter, sperm motility, sperm density, and male GSI were not significantly different (P>0.05) whereas ovary weight, sperm volume, fecundity, female GSI, and percentage fertilization were significantly higher (P<0.05) in hatchery-bred broodstock than wild-caught broodstock. Hatchability was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Group C and D than A and B. In conclusion, a better reproductive performance in C. gariepinus with an economic advantage could be recorded through the combination of wild-caught and hatchery-bred broodstock.

Reproductive Capacity and Sex-Ratio of Noemachelius multifasciatus Day from Mandal River, India

Present communication deals with the reproductive capacity and sex ratio of a hill stream ornamental fish, Noemacheilus multifasciatus Day from river Mandal of Garhwal region, Uttarakhand, India. A total 151 specimens were collected for this investigation from Mandal River during October 2020 to September 2021. The morphometric measurements were made within 2-3 days of collection which were total length (TL) fish body weight (F.B.W) ovary length and ovary weight. For the assessment of reproductive capacity, anterior, middle and the posterior part of ovary were taken and number of ova in each sample was counted with the help of binocular microscope. The reproductive capacity in terms of absolute fecundity was calculated as F = S. OW/100. Sex ratio was calculated for whole period of study and its signification was tested by Chi-Square test (χ²). The length of fishes ranged from 56mm to 80mm whereas fish body weight varied from 2138mg to 6347 mg.. The lowest reproductive capacity (175 eggs) was observed for the fish length 56mm, and body weight 2138mg. whereas highest reproductive capacity (3476 eggs) was estimated in fish measuring 80 mm length and fish body weight 6347mg. The reproductive capacity was more dependent on the ovary length (r= 0.9894) and fish weight (r = 0.9812), than the fish ovary weight (0.9786) and fish length (0.9248). The average ratio was 1.16 for female: 1.0 for male.

Reproductive Cycle and Fecundity Tristramella simonies (Gunther, 1864) (Teleostei: Cichlidae) in the Northern Great River (Lattakia, Syria)

This research was conducted to study the reproductive cycle and fecundity of the fish Tristramella simonis in the Northern Great River (Nahr Alkabeer Alshmali) north of Lattakia city. 263 individuals were collected from the northern great river, during the period between July 2017 and June 2018. Samples were collected every 15 days using gill nets, which its pores diameter ranged from 16 to 20 mm and using cages (1 × 1 × 1 m). The total length of the collected fish ranged from 9.5 to 16.5 cm, and their weights ranged from 19.5 to 112.27 g. Samples contained (128 females) and (88 males) and (47) undetected. Results of Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) showed that the reproduction period was between April and August with three obvious peaks of maturity. Where the highest value of GSI was (10.06±8.46) % for females and (0.13 ± 0.05) % for males. Results of Hepato Somatic Index (HSI) was concurrence highly with the ecological and physiological changes, which result from changes in sexual activity during the reproductive cycle. Where the highest value of HSI attained 3.79 ± 1.86 % for females and attained 3.95 ± 1.38 % for males. In the first sexual maturity, the length attained 13.31 cm for females and (14.87 cm) for males. The sexual rate was (1: 0.7), which means 40.7 % males and 59.3 % females in the population. The absolute fecundity ranged from 940 to 1229 egg. While the relative fecundity ranged between 158- 215 egg/ g of ovary weight. Egg diameter during reproduction season ranged between 2.4- 4 mm, with several sizes, which mean a relatively long reproduction term.

Fecundity estimation of Indian Potasi, Neotropius atherinoides in Bangladesh

Fecundity estimation has obvious significance in aquaculture, since the size of brood stock, amount of rearing facilities and necessity of other equipment’s are dependent on fecundity. The study has been conducted on fecundity estimation of Indian potasi, Neotropius atherinoides, based on 202 females collected from the Kangsha River flowing through Netrokona district during the period from January to June 2013. The standard length (SL) range of female were 47-66, 50-64, 57-68, 50-66, 56-66 and 60-76 mm and range of body weight were 1.07-3.56, 1.23-3.35, 2.36-3.81, 1.69-4.31, 2.33-5.59 and 3.18-5.14 g in January, February, March, April, May and June, respectively. The mean Gonado somatic indices (GSI) were very low from January to March but these were abruptly high during subsequent three months. Based on mean GSI the spawning season of this species was assumed from April to June over the study period. Scatter plot of standard length with corresponding GSI revealed that the minimum length of mature female was 50 mm SL. Egg diameter frequency distribution of a mature ovary showed almost only one major mode of egg size suggested that the fish is a single spawner, and summation of eggs in that mode was regarded as the fecundity of a female Indian potasi. The regression equation of the relationship between standard length and fecundity was as, Fecundity = 0.0017 SL 3.55. The relative fecundity and the absolute fecundity of a fish having SL of 62 mm was 1477 per g and 3921, respectively based on F-SL relationship. The relationship between body weight and fecundity was as, Fecundity = 1371.3 BW-650.8. The absolute fecundity of a fish having BW of 3.51 g was 4162 respectively based F-BW relationship. The relationship between ovary weight and fecundity was as, Fecundity = 6244.3 OW + 967.52. The absolute fecundity of a fish having ovary weight of 3.51 g was 7211 based F-OW relationship. The correlation coefficient of all above analyses were very high (>0.755) attributing that standard length, body weight and gonad weight were highly positively correlated with fecundity of Indian Potasi, Neotropius atherinoides. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(3): 421-429, December 2019

Gonadosomatic index and fecundity of threatened reba carp, Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton), in the Ganges River (northwest Bangladesh)

The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and fecundity of the threatened Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton) was studied over a period of one year from January to December 2015 in the Ganges River (northwest Bangladesh). The GSI index indicated that the C. reba breeding season in the Ganges was from June to September with the peak in August. Fish fecundity increased with increasing fish length and weight, and the highest fecundity (265,042.23) was recorded in a fish with a total length, a body weight, and an ovary weight of 23.80 cm, 136.00 g and 45.00 g, respectively. There was a linear relationship between fecundity and total length (r = 0.871), body weight (r = 0.872), and ovary weight (r = 0.879), with that between ovary weight and fecundity being the strongest.