Aqua Gen AS services

AquaGen has a high activity level in research and development. We regard the ability to control and implement new qualities as fundamental for the development of genetic material which meets an increasing demand for cost-effective and animal welfare friendly seafood production. This activity can be characterized as the motor in the company and is most important in order to stay in front of developments.

Fish health is a prioritised discipline both in selective breeding and the operative production of brood fish and eggs. To improve the fish’s health through selective breeding one selects for so-called “robust” traits. These are qualities which increase resistance to viral and bacterial diseases as well as other health-related factors. The table below gives an overview of those traits which are measured and controlled in the selective breeding program for Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout.

AquaGen has broodstock concessions for salmon at Dumfries, Scotland and salmon and rainbow trout at Hemne, Tingvoll and Steigen, Norway.

AquaGen operates a large-scale selective breeding program with systematic measurement of 22 traits in Atlantic salmon and 12 traits in rainbow trout.  By measuring and keeping control over many important traits, we get a good basis for section for maximal selective breeding progress and a minimal degree of inbreeding.

What is the importance of selective breeding for the increase in productivity in the aquaculture industry?