Effects of Different Fish Oil Levels on the Ovarian Development and Breeding Performance of Asian Catfish [Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878)]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary fish oil on the ovarian development and breeding performance of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. To observe the effects of different levels of dietary fish oil diets on the ovarian development and breeding performances of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus an experiment was conducted. Isonitrogenous diets namely Diet-1, 2, 3 and Diet-4 contained 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of fish oil levels tested on broodstock of P. hypophthalmus along with control. After a three-month rearing period, the fish were subjected to breeding induction to assess their reproductive performance. The largest ova diameter (1.20 mm) was observed in fish fed Diet-3, while the smallest was recorded in the control group. Fecundity was also highest in fish fed Diet-3 (15% lipid content) and lowest in the control group. Fertilization and hatching rates were significantly higher in the Diet-3 group, at 90.5±3.01% and 62.0±1.57%, respectively, though no significant differences were noted between Diet-2 and Diet-4. Larval survival was greatest in fish fed Diet-3. This diet, containing the recommended lipid level of 15%, resulted in significantly (p<0.05) higher ovary weight, absolute fecundity, fry production, and fry survival. The findings of this study demonstrate that diets with higher lipid levels enhance reproductive performance, particularly in terms of fecundity and larval survival.