Evaluation of Heterosis of Crosses between Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis and their Hybrids Collected from Minna Metropolis

Abstract

Hybridization of Clarias gariepinus (Cl) and Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Ht) and determination of their growth and heterosis parameters were performed. Four crosses (♀ × ♂) were tested: Cl X Cl, Cl X Ht, Ht X Cl, and Ht X Ht. Fifty 14-day-old juveniles from each of the four crosses were stocked separately in tripled plastic bowls. Fifteen fish were randomly selected each week using a fine mesh mosquito net and then weighed on a sensitive scale. The highest percentage of fertilization (58.57%) was recorded in the pure breed (Ht x Ht). The hybrid (Cl x Ht) had the highest hatching rate. Pure breeds recorded the highest condition factor (2.37), and hybrids had the highest feed conversion ratio. The Cl X Cl cross had the highest final mean weight (1980 mg) and the specific growth rate (SGR) of 4.91% / day compared to the other three crosses. Negative heterosis for growth (-14.95%) was observed in hybrids, while hybrid survival showed positive heterosis (26.56%). Poor growth of the hybrids explained the negative heterosis. Therefore, crossbreeds survived better than purebred catfish. There was a significant difference in the specific growth rate between the four genetic groups studied (P> 0.05).