Production of genetically male tilapia through interspecific hybridization between Oreochromis niloticus and O. aureus

Abstract

This study was conducted to produce a high percentage of genetically male tilapia through interspecific hybridization between Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus and Blue tilapia, O. aureus and evaluate sex ratio, productive performance and heterosis of the progeny produced. The results revealed that sex ratios of the progenies of (♀ O. aureus x ♂ O. niloticus) and (♀ O. niloticus x ♂ O. aureus) were 4.28: 1.00 and 3.59: 1.00 and differ (P < 0.05 df =1) significantly from the expected sex ratios of 3.00: 1.00 and 1.00: 0.00, respectively. In addition, the productive performance traits of (♀ O. aureus x ♂ O. niloticus) had significant (P≤0.05) superiority in most of these traits. Moreover, although both hybrids displayed a positive or best heterosis for daily gain, SGR%/day, FCR and PER, the hybrid of (♀ O. aureus x ♂ O. niloticus) showed the highest or best heterosis.