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HAVBRUK2-Stort program for havbruksforskning

Towards Single-step Genomic Selection in Atlantic salmon breeding

Alternative title: Mot en-stegs genomisk seleksjon i avl på atlantisk laks

Awarded: NOK 6.0 mill.

Efficient genetic improvement in Atlantic salmon has been a cornerstone in developing the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Although genetic evaluations of the Norwegian salmon breeding industries are advanced with the use of genomic information for selection of breeding candidates, the use of statistical approaches to combine pedigree and genomic data (single-step) from multiple generations and multiple year classes is still lacking. In this project, old methods will be tested and new statistical models specific to aquaculture will be developed. In addition, the implications of combining pedigree and genomic information on the management of genetic variation in aquaculture breeding schemes will also be studied. Specifically the project will use pedigree and genomic information from multiple year classes on several disease (Pancreas disease, Cardiomyopathy syndrome, Sea lice) and growth related traits from Mowi AS to develop and compare alternative methods for single-step genetic evaluation; to compare methods that combine multi-population (year classes) information for genetic evaluation; and to compare alternative genomic relationship matrices for management of genetic diversity when genomic and pedigree information is combined for genomic selection. The results from this project will increase accuracy of selection of breeding candidates, allow for proper comparison of genetic trends across year classes and to manage genetic diversity for the long term sustainability of aquaculture breeding programs in the genomics era.

Norwegian salmon breeding industries are exploiting recent technological advances in genomics, such as genome-wide dense genetic marker data, for the genetic improvement of their breeding populations. Hence, genomic selection (GS) has become the standard genetic evaluation tool. However, in many breeding schemes, not all individuals are genotyped, and their phenotypes are relevant for breeding value estimation. Single-step genomic prediction (ssGBLUP), where genomic and pedigree information are used side-by-side, has proven to improve prediction accuracy and to reduce selection biases. Even though the genetic evaluations of the Norwegian salmon breeding industries are advanced with the use of genomic information, the use of single-step approaches to combine pedigree and genomic data, information from multiple generations and multiple populations (separated by year classes) is still limited or even absent. In this project, the methods for combining this information in aquaculture breeding schemes will be developed and evaluated. In addition, implications of combining pedigree and genomic information on management of genetic diversity will be assessed and addressed. By making better use of all available information, including information on ungenotyped, practical grow-out fish, the project is expected to increase accuracies of genomic predictions and utilize between population and generation genetic differences, thereby making best use of all available data and genetic resources and improving the sustainability of Atlantic salmon aquaculture.

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Funding scheme:

HAVBRUK2-Stort program for havbruksforskning