ARS | Publication request: Maternal Transfer of Vitamin C in Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) Effects Reproduction and Progeny Performance

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Congress on Biology of Fishes
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 10, 2010
Publication Date: July 5, 2010
Citation: Chatakondi, N.G., Li, M., Peterson, B.C., Oberle, D., Bosworth, B.G. 2010. Maternal Transfer of Vitamin C in Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) Effects Reproduction and Progeny Performance. Proceedings of International Congress on Biology of Fishes. 9: 44-45

Technical Abstract: Two routes of maternal transfer of vitamin C in channel catfish female broodfish prior to spawning were explored as a strategy to incorporate the vitamin to determine its effect on reproduction and subsequent performance of the progeny. Accumulation of vitamin C was higher (p<0.05) in ovarian tissue at higher treatment levels and invoked a positive (p=0.05) response in the progression of oocyte size close to spawning, resulting in significant increases in ovulation and egg quality of channel catfish. Mass transfer of vitamin C to the ontogeny resulted in reduced (p<0.05) mortalities following Edwardsiella ictaluri challenge. Progeny from the treatment groups had higher (p<0.05) body weights than the controls for fish raised in aquaria but not in tanks supplied with flow-through pond water. Low oxygen tolerance of progeny is being tested. Results suggest maternal transfer of nutrients to the ontogeny improved performance in catfish.