Genetic-biochemical properties of four strains of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), aimed at their genetic improvement

Abstract

The aim of this project is the genetic improvement of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through the dialectic crossbreeding between specimens descended from four populations of this species, originating from different regions. On the Jurema Farm, in Macatuba, SP, where the project will be developed, there are already available tilapia strains of Thai origin imported by the Alevinopar company from Toledo in the state of Paraná, and another strain from the Municipal Foundation of 25th of July, from Joinville, in the state of Santa Catarina. Furthermore, another strain will be obtained from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco and another from the Piscicultura Tupi company from Guairá in the State of Paraná. The first part of the project will describe the genetic-biochemical characteristics of a group of specimens from each population. During the first phase, the specific objectives of the project include the identification of a better molecular marker for the study of stocks of Oreochromis niloticus and the application of this marker for the classification of different stocks. In the second stage, a selection program will be carried out of O. niloticus with a view to obtaining an improved production performance, which will be measured by the evaluation of the rate of growth, size of fillet and volume of steak produced. Once defined which breed produces specimens with the best performance, the parental populations will be multiplied so as to obtain an industrial production of this high performance “hybrid”. (AU)