Project Number: 6402-31000-006-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2003
End Date: Apr 30, 2005

Objective:
The overall objective is to develop a breeding program to improve catfish production. Objectives are to characterize variation for important traits, with emphasis on growth, processing traits, reproduction and disease; quantify genetic variation, develop selective breeding methods, and evaluate responses; develop molecular markers, elucidate the catfish genetic map, and identify quantitative trait loci with particular emphasis on disease; incorporate molecular markers into breeding program; determine behaviors associated with sick fish; and conduct research to develop management protocols for optimizing growth, production, and fish health of genetically improved catfish lines released to commercial industry.

Approach:
Characterize phenotypic variation in catfish for commercially important traits such as growth, disease resistance, reproduction, processing characteristics, and physiological responses. Quantify genetic variation, develop selective breeding methods and evaluate selection responses. Develop molecular markers for strain identification, elucidate the catfish genetic map, identify quantitative trait loci, and develop methods for expression of genes controlling important traits. Incorporate molecular markers into applied breeding program. Evaluate specific breeding aids for utilization in breeding program. Evaluate environmental and biological factors affecting growth, production, and fish health in experimental and commercial catfish production systems to improve production efficiency.