The DNA marker is a promising new discovery

Model of double-stranded DNA

Aqua Gen recently presented the findings of a project which described the finding and use of a DNA marker that decides IPN resistance in Salmon. This research is characterized as a new discovery which the seafood industry needs.

The research-based network which promotes the development of the bio-marine sector, MareLife, arranged an innovation workshop on 5th March 2009 in conjunction with the North Atlantic Seafood Forum in Lillestrøm.

A total of 10 out of 17 innovators in the field of sea farming were invited to hold a presentation at this workshop.

Thomas Moen, Project Director at Aqua Gen made the presentation: " Genetic markers for prediction of IPN-resistance in Atlantic salmon". This was a co-operative project carried out by Nofima Marin, CIGENE and Aqua Gen.

It has led to the finding of a DNA marker (called Quantitative trait loci, QTL) which decides the degree of IPN-resistance in salmon.

Fish with different variants of the DNA marker (high- medium, and low resistance) have been tested in infection tests with IPN, and the results have been found to be consistent with the presence of the relevant variant of the DNA marker.

The technology means that infection tests with IPN will no longer be required in the future. This represents a significant improvement in animal welfare.

The new technology is already in use for choosing brood fish in Aqua Gen's selective breeding program. By taking a blood test from the brood fish, we can determine if the high-resistance DNA marker is present in the fish's genes on both DNA strands. Fish which have this combination of double high-resistant DNA markers are the most IPN resistant.

Breeding of these highly resistant female and male fish will give the offspring the same high resistance against IPN as the parents.

With the help of this technology the level of precision in selection increases considerably because the best individuals from the most IPN- resistant families will be used as brood fish. Aqua Gen is now continuing to work on identifying more QTLs for resistance against diseases such as PD and ILA as well as for other important attributes such as growth and fillet quality.