ARTICLE
How to Improve
Your Genetics By: Dr. Elisa Marques * Senior Director of Business Development at the Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT)
Every producer will benefit from using DNA technology in their breeding program. The level of benefit and the type of return on investment will depend on the tool – whether low density (LD), medium-density (MD), or high-density (HD) - that they use. Regardless of the tool, the application of DNA technology adds precision to a selection decision. The Top 3 Tools (genomics and bioinformatics) that any aquaculture producer should consider investing in are discussed in this article.
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he aquaculture industry is ripe for the uptake of DNA-based technologies, also known as genomics. The sector has observed and, therefore, learned lessons from the livestock industry where DNA tools are heavily applied, and genetic gains are no longer simulations on a computer screen. Many aquaculture producers have questions and are seeking guidance to improve their genetics. Before I charge ahead with my recommendations, I want to emphasize that the use of genomics will not make the need for collecting phenotypes or the need to improve
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a management system go away. Economically important traits are complex in nature, which means that part of their outcome originates from improvements in genetics - through the observation of measurable traits and other breeding records - and part from improvements in management (i.e., health, nutrition), so investing in one while ignoring the other will not solve all your problems. Genomics is just one tool in the box and does not replace good husbandry practices and a commitment at all levels of an organization to supporting the genetic improvement program.
The Difference Between Genetics and Genomics Let me first make the distinction between the terms “genetics” and “genomics”. These are different terms, but they complement each other when we talk about a breeding program. A seller of broodstock will say, “I sell genetics”. A geneticist will say genetics in terms of genetic merit (breeding values). Different roles, different definitions but all correct, in their own way. Genomics, on the other hand, is a term associated with the DNA structure (i.e., the bases: As, Ts, Cs, and Gs), and the tools that allow us APRIL-MAY 2021
