Project Number: 1930-31000-006-00
Project Type: Appropriated

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

Objective:
To develop and implement molecular genetic technologies for the genetic improvement of cool and cold water aquaculture species for enhanced production efficiency. Genetic mapping and the candidate gene approach will be utilized to identify and characterize genes affecting important aquaculture production traits.

Approach:
NCCCWA is currently characterizing rainbow trout germplasm obtained from commercial and academic sources with respect to phenotypes associated with growth, disease resistance, stress, and reproduction. Genes that affect these economically important traits will be identified and characterized by a two-fold approach. First, the genetic map currently under construction will be utilized to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in interstrain crosses known to express genetic variation in phenotypes. The results of the mapping will be utilized for marker assisted selection in the NCCCWA breeding program to improve production efficiency and will lead to positional cloning of the genes that affect the quantitative traits. Second, genes and genomic regions of interest will be selected based on comparative mapping analyses. Functional analyses of these regions will be conducted to assess their roles in the expression of phenotypes associated with production efficiency.