College of Arts and Sciences

Avian Sanctuary within the City in Timaco Hill, Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Mindanao Island, Philippines

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Biodiversitas 24(2), 1004-1009
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-1.67)
https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d240240

Abstract

The habitats provided by urban green spaces are vital for conserving different wildlife species, especially birds. Although several studies outside the Philippines highlight the value of urban green spaces, including urban hills, as essential bird sanctuaries, limited accessible information exists in the Philippines. To date, no published information is available about birds in the urban green spaces of Cotabato City, including Timaco Hill. This gap highlights the need to conduct an avifaunal inventory in the area. In this preliminary, rapid assessment, two field observers documented bird species through vantage point field observations from June 06-13, 2022. A total of forty-three species of birds were documented. Ten avian species recorded are endemic, including the Philippine duck (Anas luzonica), which is currently listed in the vulnerable category based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The results of the current avifaunal inventory highlight the value of Timaco Hill as an important sanctuary of birds in Cotabato City. Results can also be used to promote the declaration of this urban hill as an eco-tourism site. The area may require prompt protection measures to sustain its capacity to serve as a bird sanctuary. More intensive surveys are also necessary to ascertain if the current count presented in the study is the complete list of birds of Timaco Hill.

Evaluation of Organic Pollution Using Algal Diversity in Rivers of Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Mindanao Island , Philippines

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Nature Environment and Pollution Technology 22(4), 2231-2237
Scopus-indexed (Impact-Factor-0.77)
https://doi.org/10.46488/NEPT.2023.v22i04.051

Abstract

This study investigated the water quality and the organic pollution level of rivers in Cotabato City, specifically the Rio Grande de Mindanao, Matampay, Esteros, and Tamontaka rivers. The physicochemical characteristics of water in these rivers were determined in the laboratory, and the level of organic pollution was determined using Palmer's algal pollution index. Water quality assessment showed that the dissolved oxygen (DO) in Matampay River and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) in Esteros River exceed the minimum standard set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for water quality in class C rivers. Results also showed that there were thirty (30) algal genera belonging to twelve (12) classes were observed in Cotabato City rivers. Algal genera belonging to Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were found to be the most abundant in these rivers. Using Palmer's algal pollution index, the Rio Grande de Mindanao showed a probability of high organic pollution, while the rest of the rivers indicated a lack of organic pollution. For a more thorough assessment of the Cotabato City rivers, it is advisable to consider more comprehensive measures, such as extending the sampling duration and expanding the number of sampling stations.

Anti-angiogenic Activity Centrosema molle Leaf Aqueous Extract

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology 18(3), 116-118
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.641)
https://doi.org/10.3329/bjp.v18i3.67311

Abstract

CAM assay tested C. molle leaf aqueous extract concentrations (5, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 μg/mL) for antiangiogenic activity and was compared against the positive and negative controls. Results showed that all the concentrations of C. molle leaf aqueous extract except 50 μg/mL were able to inhibit the branching points of blood vessels in CAM during the experiment (Figure 1). The negative control (distilled water) yielded the highest branching points while no branching points were noted in the eggs treated with positive control (retinoic acid). The calculated IC50 for the C. molle leaf aqueous extract concentrations tested in this study is 79.17 μg/mL. The results of this study may indicate the potential of the C. molle leaf aqueous extract concentrations’ anti-angiogenic activity.

Factors affecting the intentions to implement a no plastic pilicy in Cotabato City, Philippines

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Davao Research Journal
NonScopus/ISI-indexed
https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v14i1.98

Abstract

Aerobics Approach in Teaching Social Dance

Authors: Yashier Hadji T. Kasan and Bandraz D. Sugador
Journal details: Teoria ta Metodika Fizicnogo Vihovanna (Physical Education Theory and Methodology) 23(2), 221–228
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-1.42)
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2023.2.10

Abstract

Study purpose.The aim of this study was to find out the performance, acceptability and effectiveness of teaching social dance using an aerobics approach among students. Materials and methods. In this study, quantitative research with a descriptive-evaluative and experimental research design (ERD) was used to determine the level of dance of cha-cha and samba social dances by two groups of participants (control and experimental groups). The researcher used a total enumeration of fourth-year and third-year students taking the Bachelor in Secondary Education major in MAPEH, using traditional and aerobics approaches. The aerobics approach was used to teach the experimental group, which included nonstop disco music in cha-cha-cha and samba as well as warm-up and cool-down exercises. The same social dance was taught to the control group, which used the traditional method of counting 8 sets of beats: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Both the traditional and aerobic approaches were taught for 40 minutes each. Results. The findings reveal significant differences in dance performance, acceptability, and effectiveness between the control group using a traditional approach and the experimental group using an aerobics approach. Conclusions. Aerobics is recommended in teaching social dance to facilitate better learning because it allows students to learn at their own pace and according to their own interests and needs.

College of Fisheries

Editing the Melanocortin-4 Receptor Gene in Channel Catfish Using the CRISPR-Cas9 System

Author: Ramjie Y. Odin
Journal details: Fishes 8(16), 1-20
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-2.3)
https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8020116

Abstract

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) plays a critical role in homeostasis and the regulation of body weight. Polymorphisms in the mc4r gene have been discovered and linked to growth, carcass composition, and meat quality traits. Therefore, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to target the mc4r gene in the most important freshwater aquaculture species in the USA, channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Guide RNAs were designed to direct the Cas9 to the coding sequence of the channel catfish mc4r gene. gRNA(s)-Cas9 mixtures were delivered into one-cell embryos using electroporation and microinjection. For each treatment, the nature and rate of mutations were analyzed. Hatching and survival rates were calculated. The overall mutation rates were 30.6% and 66.7–90.6% for electroporation and microinjection, respectively. Mutated fish generated via electroporation or microinjection exhibited 38% and 20% improvement in body weight, respectively, when compared with the full-sib control. The mean feed conversion ratio of the mutants was 1.18 compared with 1.57 in the control fish. The improved growth and feed conversion indicate that the generation of mc4r-edited fish could economically benefit aquaculture production.

Gene Editing of the Catfish Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene and Hormone Therapy to Control the Reproduction in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Journal details: Biology 11 (649), 1-20
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-4.2)
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050649

College of Agriculture

Tolerance Mechanism and Management Concepts of Iron Toxicity: A Critical Review

Author: Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas
Journal details: Advances in Agronomy 117, 215-257
Scopus-indexed
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.agron.2022.10.001

Abstract

Rice, a staple food for more than half of the world population, is an affordable source of calorie, satisfying more than 20% of the calorie requirement on a global scale. Its cultivation is threatened by multiple challenges, including droughts, floods, salinity, and depletion of micronutrients pool or enrichment of micronutrients at a toxic level. Inorganic minerals play a crucial role in regulating different metabolic activities in plants. Iron (Fe) is among such essential micronutrients involved in a variety of metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, mitochondrial respiration, nucleic acids synthesis/repair, and maintenance of chloroplast ultrastructure/function. Iron is also a component of essential proteins like heme and acts as a cofactor of certain enzymes working as an accepter or a donor of protons. Iron deficiency and excess are the most prevalent soil-related micronutrient disorders in lowland rice production systems. Phytotoxicity caused by large concentrations of ferrous Fe (Fe2+) in the soil solution in reduced soil and substantial associated yield losses could pose a serious threat to regional and global food security. Traditional rice cultivation practice under continuous flooding notably features an ideal reduction potential for prevalent and rapidly progressing Fe toxicity primarily affecting lowland rice production. Advancements in rice cultivar development with improved tolerance and adjustments of proper management strategies to address Fe toxicity at the field level have been quite challenging due to a poor understanding of plant internal tolerance mechanism and soil properties regulating Fe availability and toxicity. Rice varieties for low pH tolerance, developed in the past through conventional breeding approaches, were somewhat indirectly contributed to Fe toxicity tolerance. During the past two decades, a considerable breakthrough has been made in understanding the genetics, physiology, and biomolecular aspects of Fe toxicity tolerance in rice. Extensive studies across different Fe-toxic environments have also highlighted the marginal difference among Fe deficiency, adequacy, and toxicity ranges both in the soil and plant systems. Despite the complexity, there is a necessity for systematic understanding and integration between the available knowledge of soil Fe regulation and transport as well as plant internal tolerance mechanism for stepping forward in strategizing rice improvement programs. Hence, an in-depth understanding of Fe availability, uptake, and translocation from soil to plant is needed. Therefore, the present review highlights an intricate approach to congregate the excess Fe regulation in soil coupled with cellular Fe toxicity tolerance of rice and management options in alleviating the negative effects of Fe toxicity on the performance of lowland rice, that could potentially offer invaluable information for rice improvement programs.

College of Arts and Sciences 

Avifaunal Diversity in urban greenspaces within Cotabato City, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Journal of Threatened Taxa 16(2), 24746-24751 
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.517)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8810.16.2.24746-24751

Abstract

Information about the diversity of avifauna in urban green spaces in the Philippines needs to be more extensive. More so, data on birds in green spaces of the country’s Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remain largely unreported. This gap highlights the need to document the avifaunal diversity in the urban green spaces of Cotabato City. Bird species were accounted for using the point count method from September to December 2021 in three different urban green spaces within the commercial center of Cotabato City. Twenty-one avian species representing 17 families were documented. Among the surveyed three green spaces within Cotabato City, Notre Dame University (NDU) has the highest species richness (N = 20), followed by PC Hill (N = 14), and Mother Barangay Rosary Heights (N = 9). Of the 21 species of birds documented, 19% are Philippine endemic, and all of these were recorded only at Notre Dame University. Data from the present study suggest the capacity of green spaces in urban Cotabato City to cater to different bird species, including the endemic ones. Since the results present preliminary data, intensive surveys can be done on these sites by future researchers. Also, surveying more urban green spaces in Cotabato City may add information on the city’s urban birds. Substantial data from these future surveys may be helpful in the urban planning of Cotabato.

Snake Conservation Attitude in the Philippines, A Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Human Ecology (2024)
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-1.8)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-024-00523-3

Abstract

Habitat destruction and snake persecution are the leading causes of the decline of snake populations worldwide, highlighting the need to formulate scientifically robust conservation management plans that incorporate an understanding of local public attitudes toward snakes. We conducted an in-person survey of 968 residents of Maguindanao Provinces, Mindanao Island, Philippines, to investigate attitudes toward snakes and assess the effects of knowledge about snakes, worldviews, and demographic characteristics on the support for snake conservation. Survey participants were primarily intolerant of and aversive to snakes but generally supported their conservation. Additionally, they were knowledgeable about the behavior of snakes, and shared either highly moralistic or dominionistic worldviews of nature, while most did not believe in folklore traditions. High levels of knowledge about the behavior of snakes, positive folkloric beliefs, high tolerance and low aversion to the presence of snakes, and moralistic worldviews positively affected support for snake conservation. Female participants were less tolerant and more averse to snakes than males. Participants with higher levels of education were more tolerant and supportive of snake conservation than those with little or no education. Farmers were less supportive of snake conservation than non-farmers. Our survey results provide important information to understand how cognitions, folklore, and demographics influence snake conservation on an island in the Philippines. This information may be valuable to government agencies and various stakeholders that could use it to design effective strategies for promoting snake conservation in the country, or other countries with similar societal systems and cultures.

Exact locality data for the South Philippine Temple Pitviper, Tropidolaemus philippensis (Gray, 1842), in Maguindanao del Norte Province, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Herpetology Notes 17: 203-205
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.643)

Factors Affecting the Intention to Implement Pro-environmental Behaviors: A Case of Riverside Communities in Cotabato City Rivers, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Author: Peter Jan D. De Vera
Journal details: Journal of Marine and Island Cultures 12(3). 138-151
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.870)
https://doi.org/10.21463/jmic.2023.12.3.10

Abstract

Rivers are known to be the emitters of waste in the world’s oceans. Most of the top ten rivers that contribute to the waste in the world’s oceans are situated in the Philippines indicating poor solid waste management in the country. Studies focusing on the pro-environmental behaviors among the riverside communities in the country are very limited. Thus, this study investigates the factors affecting the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors among the riverside communities along the Cotabato City rivers, Mindanao Island. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to determine the factors affecting the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors (n = 387). Results showed that Attitude (ATT) and Subjective Norms (SN) have significant direct effects on the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors among the respondents. Moderation analysis showed that gender has significant effects on the relationship between Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) and Intention (IN) to implement pro-environmental behaviors. The results of this study may provide insights into the policy design to promote and enhance the resident’s intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors for river conservation and protection. Extending the TPB model to assess other internal and external factors that may affect pro-environmental behaviors is recommended for future studies.

Defining Pag-ipat: A Multimodal Semiotic Analysis of Maguindanao's Healing Ritual

Author: Arlyn C. Traspe
Journal details: International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies 20(1), 78-97
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.806)
https://doi.org/10.21315/ijaps2024.20.1.4

Abstract

Pag-ipat (ritual against disease) is a traditional healing ritual of the Maguindanaon people in the southern Philippines. Devoid of Islamic components, it is based on numerous ideas such as possession, invisible spirits, mythological history, and the offering of sacrifice. This study explores the signs and symbols incorporated in pagipat. Through a multimodal semiotic analysis, specifically ethnographic observation, this research determines the meanings conveyed by the semiotic resources used, expounds on how semiotic resources are orchestrated to communicate meaning, and rationalises the ideology expressed in the ritual performance. Findings reveal that the resources utilised in the performance of pag-ipat communicate gratitude and love, recognition, honour, appreciation, journey, generosity, kindness, recognition of their ancestor, invitation to the neighbours and the community, healing, enlightenment, freedom from darkness, identity marker, greediness, and life. Through the manner of installing the pandala (flags), the presence of the sambulayang (set of flags), the quantity of food, the quality of the cloth, the number of days spent in the ritual, the design of the food and clothing material, the dance movement of the medium, and the kulintang music produced by the performers, the healing rite manifests social standing and artistic skill of the performers. The practise of pag-ipat tells us that regardless of Maguindanaon’s observance of Islam as official religion, some believe in the existence of ancestral spirits, mythological entities, and spirit animals which has a significant impact on their beliefs and behaviour. Thus, ritual elements increase signification and meaning-making potentials in the discourse environment because of their iconicity, indexicality, and meaning-making potentiality.

College of Agriculture and College of Arts and Sciences

Unveiling Nutritional Knowledge of the Varsity Coaches: Basis for Refueling Athletes Performance. 34(2):120-125

Authors: Kungan T. Kasan (College of Agriculture) and Yashier Hadji T. Kasan (College of Arts and Sciences)
Journal details: Obstetrics and Gynaecology Forum 34(2), 120-125
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.054)

Abstract

Sports nutrition plays a pivotal role in optimizing the performance of athletes, serving as a cornerstone for achieving peak physical and mental capabilities. Study purpose. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge level of the varsity coaches and the challenges they have encountered in the implementation of sports nutrition for their athletes and for the university as a whole. Using a qualitative research methodology, the study used five varsity coaches from a prominent institution in the province of Maguindanao del Norte as the primary data source. The study participants were purposefully selected based on their active participation in focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted using open-ended interview guide questions that were vetted by four experts in the subject.The studies offer valuable perspectives derived from real-world applications, while the literature analysis encompasses recent research and publications on artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector. The researcher collected data from business publications, scientific pieces, and discussions with AI practitioners and professionals in the field of agriculture. Nevertheless, it encounters obstacles such as substantial initial expenses, limited technological expertise among farmers, and apprehensions over data security.The studies offer valuable perspectives based on real-world applications, while the literature analysis incorporates recent research and publications on artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector. We collected data from commercial publications, academic journals, and interviews with AI experts and agricultural professionals.The results of the interviews revealed four essential themes about the knowledge level of the coaches and the significant challenges faced by these coaches in the implementation of sports nutrition into their coaching careers: Insufficient knowledge on sports nutrition, Lack of training and seminars for varsity coaches, Athletes eat what is usual to them, and there is a shortfall in administrative support. Conclusions. It is imperative that school officials, coaches, trainers, and players collaborate to devise a sustainable dietary program that supports the athlete's growth and optimal potential in terms of mental, physical, and psychological domains.

Optimum Sewing Date and Nitrogen Rate Ensure Sustainable Production of Wet Direct-Seeded Rice under Water-saving Irrigation Technique 

Author: Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas
Journal details: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 22, 2805-2820
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-4.123)
https://doi.org/10.117/s42779-002-00847

Abstract

Selection of an appropriate sowing date in combination with optimum nitrogen (N) rate and irrigation water management is important to optimize grain yield, water productivity, and N use efficiency (NUE) of wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). Field experiments were conducted during the dry rice growing seasons (November to March) of 2017–2108 and 2018–2019 to evaluate the interactive effect of sowing date (10, 20, and 30 November), N rate (0, 60, and 120 kg ha−1) and irrigation water management (alternate wetting and drying irrigation maintained at 15 cm threshold level [AWD] and continuous flooding) on growth, yield, total water productivity, and NUE of wet direct-seeded rice. The results revealed that the performance of plants sown on 10 and 20 November was statistically similar, but it was better than plants sown on 30 November in terms of growth, grain yield (22% increase), total water productivity (21% increase), and NUE (113% increase in agronomic efficiency and 38% increase in partial factor productivity). Moreover, N fertilization at 120 kg ha−1 maximized grain yield and total water productivity regardless of sowing dates and irrigation management practices, while AWD saved up to 45% of irrigation water input along with an 18% increase in grain yield when plants were fertilized with 120 kg N ha−1. Sowing dry-season rice early in November and fertilized with 120 kg N ha−1 under AWD irrigation has the potential to sustain productivity in the context of decreasing irrigation water availability for irrigated rice production systems.

Water Management in Cotton 

Author: Raquel D. Santiago-Arenas
Book Chapter (Available in Wiley Online Library by John Wiley & Sons)
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119385523.ch3

Abstract

Population growth, water shortage and climate change are among the major challenges to global food security. Extreme temperature events and a change in precipitation pattern are expected to occur with various intensities in different parts of the world. Historical climate data suggest an increase in temperature, erratic rainfall and events of drought. Although cotton (Gossypium species) is a drought-tolerant crop, flowering and blooming are the sensitive stages in life cycle where water stress can cause detrimental impact on yield and fiber quality. In this scenario, improved irrigation management mitigates the negative effects associated with drought. Supplemental irrigation can prevent dryland yield fluctuations for greater yield and better fiber quality. Meeting the full crop water requirement is a challenge due to limited water resources and high pumping costs. All these factors increase the importance of water management in cotton. Cotton is one of the moderate water-consuming crops, but the water requirement varies with soil and weather conditions. Various factors determine the water requirement of cotton such as temperature, rainfall (amount and distribution), relative humidity, wind speed, sunshine hours, cultivar, length of the growing period and soil characteristics. Different growth stages of cotton have different water requirements, and it varies from 2.5 mm/day in seedling stage to a maximum of 6.2–10 mm/day in peak flowering stage, and then progressively decreases toward boll development (5.1 mm/day) and reaches to a minimum of 2.0 mm/day during boll bursting stage. The water requirement of cotton in terms of total seasonal water use is 20, 40, 30, and 10% up to first flower, during first flower to peak flower, during peak flower to bursting of few bolls and up to maturity, respectively. Poor water management during critical growth stages of cotton may result in 50–80% yield reduction. Therefore, optimizing water supply based on growth stage and exploiting various water-efficient techniques could be viable options for maintaining higher cotton productivity and water use efficiency.

College of Forestry and Environmental Studies and College of Arts and Sciences 

Diversity of bird species in Ebpanan Marsh, Maguindanao del Norte, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines

Authors: Gindol Rey A. Limbaro (College of Forestry and Environmental Studies) and Peter Jan D. De Vera (College of Arts and Sciences)
Journal details: Journal of Threatened Taxa 16(7): 25577-25583
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.517)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8523.16.7.25577-25583

Abstract

Wetland areas such as the marsh provide vital habitats for birds. However, marshes in the Philippines have been threatened by anthropogenic disturbances and may be further degraded. This study conducted a rapid bird assessment in Ebpanan Marsh located in Maguidanao del Norte within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on 06–12 March 2022. A total of 36 bird species belonging to 24 families were recorded during the rapid assessment. Among the bird species recorded, two species— Anas luzonica and Streptopelia dusumieri are considered as Vulnerable, while Padda oryzivora is considered ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Eight of the bird species recorded are endemic and are observed in the remaining freshwater swamp forest of the Ebpanan Marsh. Despite habitat degradation and anthropogenic disturbance, the Ebpanan Marsh can still accommodate threatened and endemic bird species. Increasing the number of observation sites and extending the sampling duration of bird assessment will be required in order to complete the list of birds on the Marsh and understand the spatial and temporal variation in bird populations in the area.

College of Education

The Transformative Effect of Multiculturism on Maguindanaon Language Acquisition

Author: Almira B. Menson
Journal details: Journal of Data Acquisition and Processing 39(1), 343-350
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-0.560)
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7546531

Abstract

College of Fisheries

Combining Ability of Female Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and Male Blue Catfish, I. furcatus, for Early Growth Performance of their Progeny

Author: Ramjie Y. Odin
Journal details: Fishes 9(115), 1-15 
Scopus-indexed (Impact Factor-2.3)
https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9040115

Abstract

The hybrid between the female channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and the male blue catfish (I. furcatus) is the best genetic type currently available for commercial catfish farming due to their superior traits. However, further genetic improvements can be achieved by selecting parents with increased combining abilities. Twenty female channel catfish and twelve male blue catfish were crossed in a partial factorial mating design, resulting in forty hybrid families. These families were evaluated for early growth in three different rearing systems, including ponds and aquaria. The early growth performance of hybrid catfish was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the additive gene action of the female parent and the male parent. There were genotype-environment or genotype-age interactions affecting the combining abilities, both the amount and the type of genetic variation. Dam GCA was significant in all environments/ages; however, sire GCA was variable, and SCA was not significant. These findings suggest that reciprocal recurrent selection for growth could potentially improve the performance of F1 hybrid catfish. Key Contribution: This study revealed that the early growth performance of channel-blue hybrid catfish is significantly influenced by the additive gene action of the female parent and male parent. This finding could potentially lead to more effective breeding strategies for hybrid catfish.

College of Arts and Sciences