Page 14 - AWA Vol. 42-No.2 issue

FiSHERiES

Revolutionising Aquaculture Through Genetics:

The Role Of Genetics in Aquaculture

Aquaculture has been evolving fast.
Producers continue to be under grow-
ing pressure to deliver more – more ef-
ficiency, more resilience, more sustain-
ability and often with fewer resources
and tighter financial constraints. So how
does genetics help?
Genetics isn’t just about growing better
animals. It’s about building aquaculture
systems that are robust, adaptable, long-
term, and commercially viable. At CAT, each client’s specific needs. Complex Our global team structure means we can
we demonstrate that genetics is a power- programs, such as multi-trait genomic provide support around the clock, with a
ful lever producers have to future-proof selection, require high-density markers, CAT expert always available somewhere
their operations, and we exist to help whereas simpler programs may require in the world.
capitalise on that potential.
only low-density markers for relatedness Benefiting from the latest Genetic
Why Genetics Matters in Aquacul- and family assignment. Improvement technologies
ture
By aligning cutting-edge genetic sci- CAT’s clients are already benefiting
Aquaculture breeding programs have ence with on-farm realities, we help pro- from our expertise and leadership in
been improving fish and shellfish for ducers make confident, data-driven de- bringing the latest genetic improvement
many years, using approaches similar to cisions that deliver measurable results. to reality. We are working with several
those in other agricultural industries. At A True Client Partnership commercial producers to integrate ge-
their core, these programs involve choos- nome editing into their breeding pro-
ing the best animals as parents and con- Personalized Engagement, Hands-on grams, giving them access to the latest
sistently selecting for traits that improve Expertise
performance over time. One of the biggest frustrations we hear advances in genetic improvement tech-
nologies.
What makes aquaculture unique is the from producers is feeling unsupported
biology of aquatic species. Many pro- once a program is underway. At CAT, cli- In the same way as selective breeding,
duce large numbers of offspring are fer- ent engagement isn’t an add-on; it’s fun- which delivers improved genetic prog-
tilised externally, and a multitude of ex- damental to how we work. ress over time, genome editing precisely
ternal factors can cause a varying range For all our annual breeding clients, targets and delivers genetic changes that
in how quickly they grow and mature. we are committed to bi-weekly meet- could naturally occur. However, instead
This creates a significant opportunity to ings, ensuring we stay closely involved of taking many years of careful, selec-
make meaningful improvements through throughout the entire breeding cycle. tive breeding, this beneficial variation
well-designed breeding programs. Pro- These regular touchpoints allow us to can now be introduced in a single gen-
ducers typically focus on traits such as track progress, respond quickly to chal- eration. Our scientists directly create ge-
faster growth and better feed efficiency, lenges, and refine strategies as condi- netic variants in precise locations in the
higher yields, improved survival and ro- tions change. And we don’t just show up genome to deliver major improvements
bustness, product quality, and, in some on screens. in performance, without introducing new
cases, sterility. DNA.
Guaranteed On-Site Support
Our Mission We can also leverage our patented ap-
CAT guarantees at least one on-site visit proaches to induce sterility to provide
CAT’s mission is simple – deliver cus- per year, because we know that effective
tom genetic solutions that improve effi- genetic programs are built on real-world clients with a guaranteed method of con-
tainment and improved growth and per-
ciency, sustainability, and profitability for understanding. Being present matters.
aquaculture producers, genetics compa- Seeing the facilities, meeting the teams, formance by reallocating reproductive
nies, and researchers worldwide. energy.
and understanding operational nuances With CAT’s guidance, clients harness
We don’t believe in providing only enable us to deliver customised solu-
off-the-shelf answers, because every tions. these cutting-edge tools to achieve
species, environment, and market is dif- Global Reach, Local Expertise and faster, more predictable improvements.
ferent. That’s why we design breeding Building the Future of Aquaculture
programs around what matters most to 24/7 When It Matters Together
each client, whether that’s growth, sur- Aquaculture doesn’t operate on a single At CAT, we see genetics as a collabo-
vival, disease resistance, robustness, time zone, and neither do we. rative journey. By working closely with
product quality, or a combination of traits CAT has a genetic services team mem- producers, staying engaged throughout
that drive real commercial impact. We’ll ber in every major aquaculture region, the breeding cycle, and delivering cut-
work with you to agree on a plan suited providing local, on-hand support where ting-edge science that translates into real
to your goals. and when it’s needed. This regional pres- performance, we help producers reach
Our tailored approach to choosing the ence ensures cultural understanding, their goals faster. Together, we are shap-
most appropriate genotyping tool(s) regulatory awareness, and timely re- ing a more resilient and profitable future
for your breeding strategy is shaped by sponse. for aquaculture. Circle 14 on enquiry card
12 Vol. 42 No. 2