New techniques to achieve more cost efficient selective breeding for improved consumer acceptance of aquaculture products

Disease and meat quality are of high importance to the aquaculture producer, processor and consumer. However, both disease resistance and meat quality traits are complex to understand and measure, costly to evaluate and slow to improve using current metho ds of selective breeding. In this project we will develop new techniques, new knowledge and a new integration of expertise that will enable us to tackle the problem of selectively improving these complex traits. We will focus on Atlantic salmon, but resul ts from the project will be applicable to other aquaculture species. Simulation models will be developed to test what likely impact new techniques will have on genetic gain and to test alternative designs for selective breeding programs. The cost/benefits associated with the use of these methods and how the IP derived from such project can be well managed and fully exploited will be determined. As disease is a worldwide problem for intensive aquaculture and as animal welfare, meat quality and price are dr iving consumer choices and preferences, the results of this project will be of major significance to aquaculture industries worldwide and, if effectively implemented, could dramatically improve the sustainability, yield and profitability of the industry.