Evaluation of heritability and selection response of the growth in the first-generation population of gourami (Osphronemus goramy Lac.) originated from four populations

Abstract

The genetic improvement program through selective breeding is one of the efforts to overcome the slow-growing constraints in gourami (Osphronemus goramy Lac.) farming. The selective breeding to improve the growth performance of gourami using the family selection method was first conducted by the formation of a base population using a diallele cross of four populations originating from Kalimantan (Borneo), Jambi, Majalengka, and Tasikmalaya. The best performing individuals were selected to produce the first generation (F1) population. This study aimed to evaluate the growth (body weight) and determine the heritability of the F1 population. Individuals selected from the base population were communally spawned using a half-sib mating with a male:female ratio of 1:2. The grow-out phase was carried out in earthen ponds with a stocking density of 5 fish/m2, 7 families out of 14 families were kept until 13 months of age. The results showed that the body weight variation coefficient ranged from 12.36-18.65% with a selection differential of 70.75 - 112.56 g. The heritability of the body weight was 0.88, with a selection response of 11.18%. These results revealed the selection progress with increased body weight in F1 population. Thus, selective breeding is effective to be continued.