Genetic Evaluation of Growth Performance, Shooter Frequency and Survival Rates of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Haplogroup from River Benue, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted at the hatchery complex of Kazuh Integrated farms Gidin waya, Ibi L.G.A. Taraba State to evaluated the genetic basis of growth performance, shooter frequency, and survival rates among inbred and crossbred haplotypes of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) from River Benue, Nigeria. Conducted over an eight-week period (February–March 2021), the research aimed to assess the reproductive potential and performance variations among molecularly characterized haplogroups. A total of thirty (30) broodstock samples were subjected to standard molecular sequencing protocols for haplotype identification. Fry obtained from inbred (Hap1♀B × Hap1♂B; Hap3♀B × Hap3♂B) and crossbred (Hap1♀B × Hap3♂B; Hap1♂B × Hap3♀B) parental combinations were monitored under controlled hatchery conditions for growth metrics, frequency of shooters, and survival rates. At the end of the trial, the crossbred group Hap1♂B × Hap3♀B recorded the highest mean final weight (23.29 ± 2.93 g), as well as superior length gain, specific growth rate, shooter frequency, and survival percentage compared to the inbred groups. These results indicate that crossbreeding among distinct haplotypes enhances growth performance and survival ability in C. gariepinus. The findings also underscore the value of molecular characterization and haplotype-based breeding strategies for optimizing genetic resource management and improving aquaculture productivity in Nigeria.