Authors : Hajibeglou Abasali and Sudagar Mohamad
Abstract: To determine the effect of Immunogen as a commercial prebiotic on the reproductive performance of a freshwater ornamental species, swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri), fish were fed diets containing four doses of Immunogen viz. 0 (A), 0.5 (B), 1 (C) and 1.5% (D) for 26 weeks. Results showed that all experimental groups showed higher fry survival (%), relative fecundity and fry production compared to control (A) (p<0.01). Weight and length of fry were significantly higher in group C and D as compared to other groups (p<0.01). The Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) was found highest in group C and lowest in control group. The results also showed that the percentage of deformed fry was significantly higher in control group as compared to other groups. Collectively, this study showed that reproductive performance of female swordtail can be improved by dietary prebiotic Immunogen supplementation. Further study is needed into the mechanism (s) of action for prebiotics such as Immunogen and their application in aquaculture.
Hajibeglou Abasali and Sudagar Mohamad, 2011. Effect of Prebiotic Immunogen on Reproductive Performance in Female Swordtail Xiphophorus helleri. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 1253-1257.