Effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on reproductive performance and health indices of Arabian yellowfin seabream broodstock (Acanthopagrus arabicus)

A 135-day study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin E on the reproductive performance of Arabian yellowfin seabream ( Acanthopagrus arabicus ) broodstock. The experimental design utilized a basal diet containing 50 % crude protein and 18 % crude fat, supplemented with different concentrations of vitamin E (0, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). A total of 294 broodstock were distributed in twenty-one cylindrical polyethylene tanks (1.5 m³ each), maintaining a balanced sex ratio (1:1) and a salinity level of 40.2 ± 0.22 g/l. The fish were fed the experimental diets twice daily before and during the spawning period. The results indicated that dietary vitamin E did not significantly influence growth parameters. However, higher levels of vitamin E were observed in the liver, gonadal tissue, and larvae as a result of increased dietary intake. Notably, supplementation with 250 mg/kg of vitamin E significantly enhanced relative fecundity, spawning frequency, fertilization rate, egg production, and larval survival rate. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation was reduced at this concentration. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of 250 mg/kg vitamin E is optimal for improving the reproductive performance of Arabian yellowfin seabream. • Vitamin E boosts reproductive performance in Acanthopagrus arabicus broodstock. • Vitamin E increases antioxidant capacity and reduces lipid peroxidation in the liver & gonads. • 250 mg/kg Vitamin E optimizes reproductive quality in Acanthopagrus arabicus broodstock..