CT-Assisted Increased Fillet Yield through Selective Breeding in Nile Tilapia

Tilapia, known as the "aquatic chicken", is a key species in global aquaculture, supplying sustainable protein in over 120 countries. Despite decades of genetic improvement programs enhancing economical traits, Nile tilapia's fillet yields still lag behind, impacting profitability and sustainability. To address this, GenoMar Genetics AS, supported by the IPN project from Norwegian Research Council, aims to enhance fillet yields using advanced CT scanning technology. Currently, Nile tilapia yields only 32–38% fillet from its weight, compared to salmon’s 65–73%. Traditional breeding for yield improvement is slow, and imprecise, requiring the sacrifice of sibling fish for measurement. Moreover, growth doesn’t guarantee higher fillet yields due to individual variation in fillet proportions, complicating selective breeding. This project proposes using medical-grade CT scanning to accurately measure fillet yield in live fish. This technology, proven in poultry and livestock, will enable: 1. Direct Measurement: Non-destructive, precise data collection. 2. Enhanced Accuracy: Better phenotypic data for genetic selection, boosting genetic gains. 3. Improved Welfare: Eliminating the need to sacrifice large numbers of fish. A pre-feasibility study confirmed its potential, and the next step involves refining the technology for live fish in industrial settings. For tilapia processors, even a 1% yield increase significantly boosts revenue. Globally, higher yields ensure affordable protein for developing regions, addressing rising food demands. Beyond tilapia, this innovation could be exported to other aquaculture species. By integrating CT scanning into breeding, GenoMar sets a new standard, advancing sustainability and resilience in global aquaculture, aligning with UN SDGs such as Zero Hunger, Responsible Consumption, and Life Below Water, while solidifying its leadership in tilapia genetics.

The CT-FYNT project aims to use human grade CT-scan to develop and implement accurate methods for measuring fillet yield in live Nile tilapia & utilize this information in a breeding program to improve genetic gain for the sustainable tilapia industry. By increasing the proportion of fillet in tilapia, the project seeks to enhance feed conversion efficiency, industry profitability, and sustainability. The tilapia fillet industry produces a large amount of by-products estimated at 60%–70% of the total weight. In Nile tilapia, fast growth alone does not guarantee an increase in fillet yield, as fillet proportions vary among individuals and show no genetic correlation with growth. Unfortunately, current classical approaches have yielded limited genetic progress due to phenotypic data being obtained from siblings and the presence of significant measurement errors. Implementing innovative non-invasive methods like CT will lead to improved selection accuracy and higher genetic gains. The project initiated with an internal small-scale prefeasibility study that assessed the potential of employing CT scans to measure fillet yield. This preliminary study took place within a laboratory setting, with few frozen tilapia. The results obtained validated the feasibility of the approach, but also highlighted the need for a more extensive R&D project to effectively implement the technology in live tilapia within an industrial setting. Consequently, this project is specifically focused on addressing this requirement and aims to bridge the gap between the laboratory study and the practical application. The CT-FYNT project has been divided into 4 main work packages: Project Management, R&D, Validation and Dissemination. While R&D and validation focus on creating and verifying the project's outcomes, project management and dissemination ensure the project's success and impact. Together, these elements contribute to the overall success and societal relevance of the project.