This study aimed to investigate the interactive effects of genotype, warm rainy season and polythene pond cover on the growth, reproduction of Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis aureus in the Kenyan cold highlands. Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis aureus growth, face challenges due to the harsh climatic conditions. Ponds were established, each housing a specific genotype of O. niloticus and O. aureus. Half of the ponds were covered with polythene cover to simulate a controlled environment, while the other half were exposed to open environment. The ponds were monitored throughout the warm rainy season to assess growth rates, reproductive success and overall fitness. Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis aureus showed different results to the warm rainy season and polythene pond cover while O. niloticus thrived in the natural environment, other performed better under polythene cover. Similarly, O. aureus genotypes showed varying growth and reproductive rates depending on the season and pond cover.
This study provided valuable insights into the adaptive measures of O. niloticus and O. aureus in the Kenyan cold highlands thus considering genotype-by-environment interactions in aquaculture practices and conservation efforts. Challenges affecting growth and reproduction targets breeding programs and pond management strategies that can be developed to increase production cold environments.
Key words
Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis aureus, Kenyan cold highlands.