Effects of Weight on Ovarian Maturity and Reproductive Characteristics in Female Clarias jaensis (Boulenger 1909) | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||
| Volume 29, Issue 6, November and December 2025, Pages 287-304 PDF (754.97 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.435235.6867 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Chongsi Margaret Mary Momo* 1; Etsabou Tabougue Elise Duchelle1; Justin NTSOLI2; Meutchieye Felix3 | ||
| 1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon. | ||
| 2Department of Animal sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural sciences | ||
| 3Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon | ||
| Abstract | ||
| In Cameroon, rapid population growth and urbanization have increased the demand for animal proteins, especially fish proteins, while local production covers only about 46% of the demand, creating a deficit filled by imports. In this context, aquaculture and the development of endemic species such as Clarias jaensis are essential for food security and biodiversity preservation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of female weight on ovarian maturity and artificial reproduction performance. A reproductive maturity assessment was performed on 26 females (weighing 166–621 g) at the University of Dschang to determine the maturity stage of females of different weights based on their oocytes and to define the weight classes to be used in artificial reproduction (AR). AR was carried out between 8 females and 8 males at the GIC AIO farm in Batié to conclude on the effects of weight on the reproductive performance of females. The morphometric data for observing sexual maturity were analyzed using R Studio software; while the reproduction data were analyzed with XLSTAT software. The results showed that body weight significantly influenced ovary weight and absolute fecundity, but not relative fecundity and the gonado-somatic index. The presence of germinal spots was more pronounced in females of the 507–621 g weight class. The average absolute fecundity is 6145.575 ± 6009.953 eggs, with a relative fecundity of 34.75 ± 4.69 eggs/g. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.566) was observed in the 280–394 g weight class and hatching rate. The average fertilization, hatching, and larval survival rates were 66.5%, 39.38%, and 54.32%, respectively. No significant difference was observed between weight classes for these parameters. Although female weight influenced the quantity of eggs and maturity, it did not significantly affect oocyte quality or reproductive performance. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Reproduction; Clarias jaensis; Brood-stock; Live weight; Larval survival | ||
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