A robust tilapia genetically selected for high survival in aquaculture

GenoMar STRONG is a genetically selected strain of tilapia with first-class health and survival traits, supported by good growth and fillet yield traits

Product leaflet (PDF)

Product documentation from research-based trials:

Experimental validation of genetic selection for resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae via different routes of infection in the commercial Nile tilapia breeding programme

Economic appraisal of using genetics to control Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia under cage and pond farming system in Malaysia

Proof of performance

Resistance to streptococcosis

GenoMar STRONG has been tested in laboratory trials and demonstrated a level of protection against Streptococcus agalactiae of 42% and 25% when challenged through two different routes of infections (Figure 1). Resistance to infections caused by Flavobacterium and Francisella are also included in the GenoMar breeding program.

Increased survival throughout the life of the fish

GenoMar STRONG has proven lower mortality under commercial farming conditions in a field trial in Malaysia. 135 days post-transfer to grow-out in cages, the cumulative mortality was on average 29.6% for GenoMar STRONG and 43.4% for non-selected GenoMar tilapia. The level of protection was 32%, which verifies the laboratory tests results (Figure 2).

Animal welfare

The high survival rate of GenoMar STRONG reflects improved animal welfare through reduced mortality and enhanced health.

Growth and yield

GenoMar STRONG is 25% weighted for growth and fillet yield traits. However, the GenoMar STRONG’s ancestors have been selected for these traits in previous generations. This means that the already good growth and yield traits accumulated are kept in GenoMar STRONG as well.

Improved profitability

Based on the field results from Malaysia, an economical evaluation was performed. In the cages and ponds where Streptococcus-related mortality was low (1-5%), the tilapia aquaculture was found to be profitable, even considering the higher purchasing cost of GenoMar STRONG. More details about these findings are published here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-12649-9

Figure 1. Cumulative mortality in a laboratory challenge test of tilapia fingerlings selected for streptococcosis resistance compared to non-selected tilapia. Two different routes of infections with S. agalactiae were performed. Level of protection is calculated as relative percent survival (RPS).

Figure 2. Daily, cumulative mortality in a field trial with tilapia selected for streptococcosis resistance and non-selected tilapia, 135 days post-transfer to grow out. Both groups consisting of around 2000 fish each, were mixed, individually tagged, and raised together in cages at a commercial farm in Malaysia. Level of protection is calculated as relative percent survival (RPS).

Product specifications

GenoMar delivers genetically improved fingerlings and juveniles to farmers for stocking directly into ponds and cages. To achieve the best possible growth rate, the fish is produced as all male with at least 98% males.