Methods of Selection Using the Quantitative Genetics in Aquaculture-A Short Review

Efficient breeding programs can contribute significantly to the development of fish farming by reducing production costs, improving the resistance of farmed organisms to disease, improving food use and product quality. Unfortunately, less than 20% of the world's inland fish production comes from genetically improved stocks. In breeding programs for these fish (and also from other origins or species), three strategies can be applied: selection, crosses and hybridizations, and chromosome manipulation. Selection was poorly applied in inland fishes, being restricted mainly in trout, carp and tilapia. The most common selection goals in fish breeding programs include growth rate, feed conversion, disease resistance and survival, quality and meat yields. Three selection methods have already been applied to this animal group: individual selection, selection between and within families and the combined selection. The first one was the most practiced, but usually entails a rapid increase in inbreeding rates. The second method, used for low heritability traits or those that require animal sacrifice for measurement, may result in increased inbreeding when the selection is made between families or be less efficient when animals are selected in all families. The combined selection associates the individual information of the animal and its relatives. It is expected that the dissemination and use of these tools in fish farming will increase considerably in the coming years given the history of their low (even traditional) uses and that gains in productivity will improve the efficiency of the use of natural resources (water and land) needed for which may contribute to the growing need for animal protein for human consumption.

Author(s): Farias TF, César JRDO and Silva LPD

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