17α-Methyltestosterone enhances growth and reproductive performance of immature male Asian catfish (Clarias macrocephalus)

This study aimed to assess the effects of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) on growth and reproductive performance male Asian catfish (Clarias macrocephalus). A total 36 immature (ABW = 125.97 g) were randomly distributed into 12 circular tanks, fed with either control diet (with no MT) or diets containing MT at 60 mg·kg-1, 90 120 mg·kg-1 for 45 days. Results showed that weight gain (WG), specific rate (SGR) feed intake (FI) significantly higher in than those diet. Also, attractability test revealed groups attracted more did diet; however, increasing reduced its catfish. MT-treated exhibited heavier longer testes termination feeding trial. These also gonadosomatic indices (GSI) group. Following induced spawning nontreated female artificial fertilization eggs using testis preparation from experimental trial, results preparations all males resulted (FR) hatching rates (HR) eggs. In conclusion, incorporating improved both Clarias macrocephalus. Precisely, dosages optimal dietary a quadratic model maximal SGR, GSI, FR, HR values estimated be 58.3, 75.0, 90.6, 78.2 respectively.