Integrating selective breeding with microbial genomics to improve rainbow trout disease resistance

Authors: Wiens, Gregory - Greg

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/12/2008
Publication Date: 7/28/2008
Citation: Wiens, G.D. 2008. Integrating selective breeding with microbial genomics to improve rainbow trout disease resistance. Meeting Abstract. p. 104.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Infectious disease is a substantial problem in aquaculture and improved methods are needed to diminish disease-related loss. One approach is to selectively breed fish from crosses that exhibit superior disease-resistance phenotypes thereby increasing fitness. A current limitation in breeding programs is the incomplete knowledge of the heritability, duration, and mechanisms of resistance, as well as the response to pathogen variants. In 2005, the NCCCWA initiated a selective breeding program designed to evaluate and improve rainbow trout survival following challenge with the bacterial coldwater disease agent Flavobacterium psychrophilum. We determined that survival is a moderately heritable trait and that spleen size is correlated with resistance. In conjunction with these studies, we have also determined the complete genome sequence of F. psychrophilum strain CSF 259-93, and I will discuss strategies of how we are combining this knowledge with selective breeding to improve fish health.