Immunochemical Detection of a Vitellogenin-derived Yolk Protein in Eggs and Larvae of Asian Catfish, <i>Clarias batrachus</i>

Abstract

Attempts were made in the present investigation to detect yolk proteins in the fertilized eggs (3 h post-fertilization) and larvae (4 d post-fertilization) of Clarias batrachus using western blot. Single high molecular weight protein band was detected in western blot with rabbit anti-C. batrachus vitellogenin (Vtg) serum indicating the protein to be lipovitellin (Lv). By different staining methods of this protein in electrophoresed gels, the protein was found to contain carbohydrate, lipid and phosphorous components. Thus, the yolk protein is phospholipoglycoprotein in nature. Further, in a similar western blot experiment, the yolk protein was found to be present in eggs and larvae of C. batrachus up to 6 days post-fertilization. It may be concluded that the larvae should be offered with natural or artificial feed before six days, prior to complete depletion of yolk protein for better survival.