Antioxidant Effects of Sesame Seed Oil (Sesamum indicum) on Semen Quality, Seminal Biochemistry and Hormonal Profiles in Male African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

10 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Fish are inherently susceptible to oxidative stress due to their continuous exposure to fluctuating environmental stressors, notably temperature. This physiological strain significantly impairs reproductive performance. Given its rich composition of bioactive molecules, Sesamum indicum seed oil (Sio) may serve as a potent dietary additive to mitigate these oxidative effects and enhance the overall reproductive performance of the species. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Sio on the reproductive performances, plasma seminal status and sexual hormones in Clarias gariepinus. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 catfish broodstock (Clarias gariepinus) with an average weight of 2.25 kg±15.20 g were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups in a completely randomised design. In 90 days, fish in group 1 (control) received diet without Sio, while the other diets were included with 0.5, 1 and 1.5% g/kg as treatment in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. At 13 weeks old, blood samples were collected from all fish of each treatment for sexual hormones analysis. In addition, 1.5 mL was collected from each fish per treatment, centrifuged and supernatant samples were collected for oxidative stress markers and biochemical analysis. On the other hand, 0.5 mL was also collected per treatment for semen characteristics. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test (p<0.05) in IBM SPSS 21.0. Results: The sperm characteristics rate and the serum level of sexual hormones significantly increased (p<0.05) in fish receiving 1.5%/kg diet. In addition, the seminal plasma level significantly increased (p<0.05) with a dose of Sio. However, the seminal level of MDA was significantly decreased (p<0.05) with a dose of Sio. Conclusion: It was concluded that administration of 1.5% of Sio/kg diet enhances semen characteristics, plasma seminal status and sexual hormones in male fish.

Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances - Current Issue

Antioxidant Effects of Sesame Seed Oil (Sesamum indicum) on Semen Quality, Seminal Biochemistry and Hormonal Profiles in Male African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)