Genetic markers for flesh quality in farmed fish
Lead Research Organisation:
University of St Andrews
Department Name: Biology
Abstract
Genetic markers are widely used in livestock breeding programs to select animals with superior production traits, e.g. meat quality. Fish aquaculture is a global growth industry with farmed salmon now a major UK food export. Compared with traditional livestock, fish species are relatively undomesticated and the use of genetic markers to produce superior strains for farming is in its infancy. The aim of this follow-on funding project is to strengthen a patent application for single nucleotide polymorphisms markers in Atlantic salmon that were found to be significantly associated with superior fillet yield and improved flesh quality. Studies with larger populations of fish and of the association between the genetic polymorphisms and quality traits in families of known pedigree are required for the commercial validation of the markers. The project will also screen a pipeline of other genetic markers for enhanced flesh quality and extend the approach to other farmed fish species.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Ian Alistair Johnston (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Grubišic Cabo A
(2015)
Observation of Ultrafast Free Carrier Dynamics in Single Layer MoS2.
in Nano letters
Ulstrup S
(2016)
Ultrafast Band Structure Control of a Two-Dimensional Heterostructure.
in ACS nano
| Description | The project validated genetic assays to select Atlantic salmon with a higher meat yield. The genetic assays detect naturally occurring variations in the sequence of two genes involved with muscle accretion and breakdown. Using the assays offspring can be produced with 4% more fillet worth around £600 per tonne at current market prices. The work done on the grant strengthened a patent application and led to an investment and the formation of a spin-out company Xelect Ltd in February 2013. The company has subsequently licensed the technology to 2 major salmon breeding companies in Europe and Chile. Commercial trials are now well underway and we anticipate marketing of high yield fish and a royalty stream from 2017. |
| Exploitation Route | Our research has led to a commercial project which is available for licensing to improve the profitability of salmon farming. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| URL | http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/news/food-security/2013/130318-pr-quality-fish-from-lab-to-plate.aspx |
| Description | Our findings have been used to develop and successfully market genetic assays to select Atlantic salmon with a higher fillet yield. Currently licensees are SalmoBreed A/S and Landcatch Natural Selection. see also BBSRC Impact CASE study http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/news/impact/salmon-genetics-technology-xelect-boosts-global-aquaculture-industry/ |
| First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | SMART: SCOTLAND |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | SMART/13/063 |
| Organisation | Scottish Enterprise |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2014 |
| End | 01/2015 |
| Title | FISH SELECTION FOR IMPROVED TRAITS BASED ON THE DETECTION OF SEQUENCE VARIATIONS IN GENES |
| Description | The present invention is based on the identification of a number of genetic markers that segregate, or are associated with flesh quality in fish. In particular, the inventors have determined that variations in the sequence of several genes are associated with flesh quality in fish. |
| IP Reference | WO2013054107 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2013 |
| Licensed | Yes |
| Impact | Commercial validation trials are being conducted in Norway and Chile prior to the marketing of ova from high fillet yield lines in 2016. |
| Company Name | Xelect Ltd |
| Description | Xelect develops and licensed genetic markers for broodstock selection in farmed fish. The company also provides a range of genetic services to the aquaculture industry worldwide. |
| Year Established | 2013 |
| Impact | The company has licensed genetic assays for high fillet yield in Atlantic salmon and Nile Tilapia to major breeding companies in Europe, Chile and SE Asia. |
| Website | http://www.xelect.co.uk/ |