Hatchery International

Features Disease Management Research
Tilapia growth rate no impact on major pathogens resistance: study

March 2, 2021  By Ruby Gonzalez


Spring Tilapia selectively bred for fast growth and resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae and  S. iniae. Photo: Dr. Benjamin LaFrentz

Growth rate does not contribute to the resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to S. iniae and S. agalactiae capsular type Ib, according to the team that pioneered studies that evaluated Nile tilapia families for resistance to these pathogens. 

The two streptococcus species, commonly reported by U.S. tilapia producers, cost the global industry US$1 billion annually from mortalities and treatment expenses.

 “Our results demonstrated that there are no significant relationships, favorable or unfavourable, between growth and survival to both S. iniae and S. agalactiae type Ib,” Dr. Benjamin LaFrentz, research molecular biologist at USDA-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), told Hatchery International. 

“Although selection for a single trait may lead to a higher response – i.e. faster improvement – no response will be obtained for the other traits. Thus, in order to improve all three traits, they must all be selected for at the same time.”

Advertisement

The study, “Genetic (co)variation between harvest weight and resistance to both Streptococcus iniae and S. agalactiae capsular type Ib in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus),” by LaFrentz et. al. was published in the journal, Aquaculture, and a collaboration between USDA-ARS, Spring Genetics in Miami and Benchmark Genetics Norway.

Data from eight generations of tilapia were used, including growth data for all generations, S. iniae mortality data from three generations, and S. agalactiae Ib mortality data from five generations.

“The main engine driving the long-term sustained improvements is balanced, multi-trait selection taking place in the breeding nucleus,” LaFrentz wrote.

Parameters considered for multi-trait selection are the genetic architecture of the traits, genetic correlations, and long term needs of the target market.


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below


Related