Genetic parameters for early growth traits in Lates calcarifer (Bloch)

Abstract

Genetic parameters for early growth traits such as body length at 21st, 50th and 80th day and bodv weight at 50th and 80th day were estimated using the data from a sample of 497 progeny s or pair matings in Lates calcarifer. The progeny were produced by the induction of spawning using reproductive hormone LHRH-a. The heritability (hz), genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated using single pair matings model of analysis of variance and covariance. The efficient of variation ranged from 21.57 to 37.95 for body length and 64.98 to 89.41 for body weight. The hZ estimates ranged from 0.15 to 0.96 and 0.50 to 0.77 for body length and body weight respectively. The pooled data estimates of h2 are higher than the single environment data estimates and the h2 increased along with the age. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between body length and weight were found to be high, positive and significant in 50 day and 80 day old fingerlings of L. calcarifer.