Genetic Performance of Inbred and Crossbred Strains of Clarias gariepinus from Distinct Nigerian Populations: Implications for Selective Breeding in Aquaculture

Ndekimbe Mamndeyati Uruku¹ and Rose Oyibinga Ameh²

¹ Lecturer, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Wukari, P.M.B 1020, Taraba State, Nigeria.

² MSc Graduate, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Wukari, P.M.B 1020, Taraba State, Nigeria.   

Abstract

Genetic improvement through selective breeding and strain hybridization has become an important strategy for enhancing aquaculture productivity. This study evaluated the growth performance of inbred and crossbred strains of Clarias gariepinus obtained from Katsina-Ala and Gboko in North-Central Nigeria. The experiment was conducted at the Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Farm of Federal University Wukari. Broodstocks were sourced from the two locations and crossed to produce four progeny groups: ♂K × ♀G, ♂G × ♀K (crossbreds), and ♂K × ♀K, ♂G × ♀G (inbreds). Growth parameters, including body weight and total length, were monitored for eight weeks. Results indicated that the highest mean body weight (1.25 g) was recorded in the crossbred progenies ♂K × ♀G and ♂G × ♀K, while the lowest values were observed in the inbred groups ♂G × ♀G (1.13 g) and ♂K × ♀K (1.04 g). Conversely, the highest mean length values were recorded in the inbred progenies ♂K × ♀K (2.10 cm) and ♂G × ♀G (2.00 cm), while the lowest were obtained in the crossbred groups ♂G × ♀K (1.90 cm) and ♂K × ♀G (1.80 cm). Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the growth parameters of the inbred and crossbred groups. However, crossbred progenies showed slightly improved weight performance compared with inbred lines. The findings suggest that intra-strain hybridization between geographically distinct populations of C. gariepinus can enhance growth performance and may contribute to improved broodstock management and aquaculture productivity in Nigeria.    

Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Crossbreeding, Genetic improvement, Hybridization, Aquaculture breeding

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