ARS | Publication request: Genetic Response To Selection In Channel Catfish

Submitted to: Global Aquaculture Advocate
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 12, 2009
Publication Date: May 1, 2009
Citation: Peterson, B.C., Small, B.C., Bosworth, B.G. 2009. Genetic Response To Selection In Channel Catfish. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 30-31.

Interpretive Summary: A goal of our selective breeding program is to identify and develop lines of catfish that will represent an improvement over strains now used by catfish producers. Results of the current study demonstrate the superiority in growth of the USDA line of catfish (fast growing, USDA103, and USDA403) compared to a group of fish that was collected from catfish farms across the MS Delta (industry pool). The lower protein efficiency ratio in the industry pool fish suggest they are not as efficient as the other lines of fish in converting dietary protein into weight gain. The industry pool fish will need to be evaluated for other production traits such as disease resistance, reproductive performance, and fillet yield. If these fish are superior in one or more of these traits, they may be a viable line of fish to cross with the USDA103 lines of catfish.

Technical Abstract: Channel catfish selected solely for fast growth (fast growing) were compared to USDA103, USDA403, and industry pool groups of channel catfish for growth, body composition, and stress response. All fish were fed daily for 8 wks followed by an acute 10-minute dewatering stress. By wk 4, feed intake and weight gain were significantly different for each genetic group (P < 0.0001). Overall, feed consumption, weight gain, and growth rate index were highest in the fast growing line of fish (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio was lower in the fast growing fish compared to the USDA103 line (P < 0.05). Whole body proximate composition and nitrogen retention were similar among lines of fish. Fast growing, USDA103, and USDA403 lines had higher condition factors and protein efficiency ratios compared to industry pool fish (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol levels were similar among genetic groups after an acute stress. These results demonstrate the growth superiority of the USDA103 line of catfish and lines derived from it over the industry pool.