As the world’s first selective breeding company in the area of aquaculture, there will be used a gene marker to choose brood fish that produce offspring with predictably high resistance to the viral disease IPN. By combining traditional selective breeding and genetic testing the offspring will acquire improved traits for both growth and IPN resistance at the same time, when compared to previous egg generations.

Use of the genetic marker ushers in a new era in selective breeding, and will contribute to increased cost/effectiveness and better animal welfare in the fish farming industry.

After several years with goal-oriented research effort, and with considerable support from the Norwegian Research Council, a breakthrough came in the practical use of the new selective breeding method in 2007.

Researchers in Aqua Gen, Nofima Marin and CIGENE found a marker for a gene which explains 80 % of the genetic variation in resistance to IPN in both fry and post-smolts. The effect is documented by repeated infection trials.

This is unique, when compared to other genetic markers which are already in use in commercial poultry, pork, and beef selective breeding. What is special is that a single gene can explain so much of the variation in resistance to one specific disease. Such "strong" markers are therefore especially valuable in choosing fish with a great degree of predictability that the fish has the desired trait.

By using a combination of traditional selective breeding methods and genetic testing of brood fish, we will be able to achieve a much greater precision, predictability, and flexibility in regard to which traits our clients wish to emphasize. For example, a cross between brood fish which are selected for production traits such as growth, harvest weight, fat and colour, combined with genetic testing which assures that the fish also has the gene for high IPN resistance could produce offspring with a maximum capacity with regards to all the traits mentioned.

Read more about Genetically-tested Salmon Eggs here

Product presentation of Aqua Gen`s Salmon Eggs 2009/2010 is found here