Developing cost-effective genomic selection methods for genetic improvement of Atlantic salmon

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

Benchmark Genetics produces genetically-improved salmon ova from biosecure facilities, benefiting from an extensive family-based breeding nucleus which delivers incremental improvement in key traits for production and welfare benefits to the salmon industry. Genomic selection is a key technology for genetic improvement of salmon, as it enables efficient selection for traits which cannot be measured on selection candidates themselves. For example, disease resistance traits are typically measured using controlled challenge experiments on siblings of selection candidates. Using high density genetic marker genotyping, it is possible to accurately predict the breeding values of selection candidates in biosecure facilities, from disease challenge and genotype data collected on their siblings. However, while this process has been demonstrated to be effective, it has not been optimised for full-scale commercial implementation, and it remains almost prohibitively expensive. This project will develop and optimise methods for taking genomic selection to mass commercial scale to benefit the company and the industry. This includes (i) optimising the design of the disease challenge experiments used to collect disease resistance data, including minimising the number of challenged animals by using the best possible family structure, (ii) determining the optimal marker density and genotyping strategy to predict accurate breeding values, and (iii) testing and optimising statistical models for traits with varying genetic architecture – i.e. those controlled by few major loci, versus those with a polygenic basis. The outcomes will be a refined, scalable, and cost-efficient method to support genetic improvement of disease resistance and other key traits, providing improved health, welfare, and sustainability for the entire salmon industry.