Genetic diversity gets a big boost from breeding programmes for more species

Since genetic gains are generational, there are some species that are expected to make very rapid progress. Whereas the generational interval for Atlantic salmon is typically around 4 years, for a tilapia, gains can occur in as fast as 9 months. Therefore, companies that are amongst the first to incorporate genetics in their production will rapidly pull ahead of their competitors and will also be much more likely to appeal to investors. projects to showcase the increasing diversity in aquaculture.

Case study 1: Tilapia in Sub Saharan Africa

Tilapia production in Sub-Saharan Africa is growing fast, however it remains in need of more development. Xelect has recently agreed a partnership with a major producer in Zambia and Uganda, to apply modern genetic selection techniques to their indigenous strains. This will bring security of supply, independence from foreign egg producers, and crucially it will allow them to tailor their programme to the specific demands of their region.

Local, independent genetics programmes are going to play a vital role in the future of this essential staple food source in Africa. Xelect is also working with several other leading producers of tilapia in the Lake Victoria region to plan genetics programmes under the umbrella of the Msingi East Africa aid funding programme. Msingi aims to invest in long-term economic sustainability and local selective breeding fits that brief perfectly.

Case study 2: Spotted rose snapper, Costa Rica

Breaking down the barriers: Is change coming?

The simple answer is that change is essential. The increasing demand for fish and shellfish cannot be met just by turning up the dial on existing production. A sustainable, vibrant aquaculture industry requires innovation, embracing a broader range of species and production hubs.

The good news is that genetics is now more accessible and affordable than ever. It is no longer the preserve of those with the deepest pockets.

Xelect’s CEO, Professor Ian Johnston, attributes this to a new wave of disruptive genetics players, who are able to respond quickly to implement new programmes. “Independent, agile companies like Xelect are perfectly placed to be the catalyst for change. It is just not practical for many producers to build their own genetic capability from scratch. You need a highly diverse team of experts in everything from biology to computer programming, access to the latest R&D and an advanced laboratory. We effectively allow even small producers to have access to their own in-house genetics team at a fraction of the cost.”

“We did not originally set out to work with such a wide range of species, but it is becoming something of a speciality for Xelect and something we are truly passionate about. In the last year alone, we have started to work with 3 new species. Because we have no vested interest, we can apply our knowledge and technology to absolutely all fish or shellfish. We can now build the genetic toolkit we need to start working with a new species in a little over a month”, explains Dr Tom Ashton, Operations Director.

What’s on the horizon?

For a while Xelect has been working with emergent species such as tilapia, monodon shrimp and pangasius. There is also significant interest in African catfish which the company is exploring opportunities. However, there are three recent Xelect has signed a contract with Martec, a leading producer of rose spotted grouper Lutjanus guttatus in Central America. The partnership will focus on the development of a new selective breeding programme for this emerging species. The first stage is to use genomic sequencing to develop a suite of genetic markers and then to use these tools to identify the founding broodstock. Successive rounds of selection will drive continuous gains in commercial traits, making the rose spotted grouper a local commercial success in Central America.

Case study 3: Rohu carp, Myanmar

Xelect is a partner with De Heus and Fresh Studio in a programme to modernise production of rohu carp Roho labeo in Myanmar, in efforts to establish a sustainable, profitable breeding programme for this highly popular yet under-developed species. Work began with the development of new genetic tools for the rohu, followed by a detailed survey of available genetic broodstock. This will enable the genetic team to construct a founding population with all the genetic potential needed to run a long-term breeding programme that delivers solid economic returns and food security into the future.