The application of genetics and biotechnological
tools to improve aquaculture production has advanced greatly over the past few
decades. These include the characterization of wild genetic diversity and
genetic improvement of cultured stocks. However, such applications are still
lagging behind agriculture and livestock sectors as most of the cultured fish
are still genetically similar to their wild counterparts. More emphasis on
domestication of the stocks with high performance traits and adopting
appropriate broodstock management strategies could help overcome the negative
effects of inbreeding and unintentional selection. This course is aimed to
provide students with the basic concepts of applied genetics and selective
breeding with emphasis on sustainable management of fish stocks, and
conservation of genetic resources for aquaculture.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of this course students are expected to:
- Identify the basic principles of genetics and genomics on their role in fish reproduction;
- Distinguish population genetic and quantitative genetic terms and techniques relevant to aquaculture.
- Apply the principles and practices of selective breeding in fish for genetic stock improvement and conservation of fish genetic resources; and
- Identify the analytical genetic technologies most relevant to aquaculture.
- Teacher: Dr. Salin K.R