At the Aquaculture Genetics Solutions (AGS), a sub-division of the Aquaculture Genomics Lab, we offer a vast expertise in genetic improvement programs and support for collaborative research studies in a broad range of aquaculture species.
Genetic improvement consulting services
Identification of the desirable traits to be included into the breeding goal based on an economic analysis aimed at increasing profitability of each specific operation.
Construction of multi-trait genetic evaluation systems to simultaneously improve more than one trait to maximize profitability.
Definition of the phenotyping strategies for growth, carcass quality and robustness traits within the context of the company´s operation. Coordination of data collection and database development.
Estimation of genetic parameters (heritabilities and genetic correlations), estimation of genetic merit of breeders by means of breeding value (EBVs) calculations using best linear unbiased (BLUP) methodologies, identification of best mates and reporting genetic gain and inbreeding levels on each generation.
To maximize the genetic gain on each generation and accelerate the dissemination of superior genetics to production.
Implementation of mass selection schemes assisted by molecular markers to maximize genetic gain and maintain genetic diversity and inbreeding.
Design and implementation and analysis of benchmarking activities to evaluate the results from the genetic improvement program.
Consultancy services on archiving genetic material.
Genomics Services
Based on customized low-density SNP panels we can estimate:
To give advice on including new genetic material, minimize the probability of inbreeding depression and reduced genetic variability/diversity (deformities and decreased reproductive performance).
Development of customized high- and low-density single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) arrays (96 to 1 million SNPs) for efficient genotyping in any aquaculture species.
Identification of molecular markers or QTLs (Quantitative trait loci) affecting economically important traits (growth, carcass yield, disease resistance, late maturity and sex determination) for the implementation of marker-assisted selection.
Design and implementation of genomic selection schemes for to accelerate genetic progress for traits which are difficult to measure in the selection candidates (e.g. carcass quality and disease resistance traits).
Family assignment of individuals for genetic evaluations to predict the genetic merit of breeders if they have not been physically tagged during early stages.
Implementation of low-cost GWAs and genomic selection schemes by means of the use of low-density SNP panels and the development of efficient imputation strategies.
Support in the design and analysis of whole-genome sequencing and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) experiments in a broad range of applications.
Support in the design and analysis of whole-transcriptome sequencing, nutrigenomics and quantitative PCR experiments.
Other Services
Supervision of phenotyping, tagging, mating and experimental assays.
Support on design and data analysis for experimental and observational studies aimed at improving production efficiency.
Courses, lectures and seminars to train personnel on genetic improvement methodologies applied to aquaculture.
Support for the application to competitive grants to get complementary funding to carry out different R&D activities related to genetics and genomics.