Genetic relatedness and differentiation of hatchery populations of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) (Bloch, 1790) broodstock in Thailand inferred from microsatellite genetic markers

Abstract

After more than 20 years of hatchery production of Asian seabass in Thailand, genetic information is still lacking for effective genetic management and a selective breeding programme. This study aimed to evaluate genetic status of existing hatchery populations and genetic consequences of a selective breeding attempt. We examined genetic relatedness in seven hatchery samples, including a selectively bred population (RACF-F1), compared with three wild samples using 11 microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity and relatedness values within most hatchery samples, except for RACF-F1, did not differ from those of wild populations (P > 0.05). RACF-F1 had the lowest allelic diversity and effective population size (A r = 6.99; N e = 7.8) and highest relatedness values (mean r xy = 0.075-0.204). Pairwise Φ ST values, principal component analysis and modelbased cluster analyses revealed three genetically distinct hatchery groups: Eastern Thailand (CHN, RACF, NSCF and SKCF), Southern Thailand (NICA) and the Andaman Sea (STCF). Results suggest that exiting domestic populations capture reasonable amount of genetic variation and can be useful for a base population for genetic improvement programmes. In addition, given the rapid increase in relatedness that we observed in one selectively bred population, we recommend using selection methods and hatchery practices that reduce variability in family contribution in the subsequent generations.

Genetic diversity and relatedness estimates for captive barramundi (Lates calcarifer, Bloch) broodstock informs efforts to form a base population for selective breeding

“…). According to the results from Senanan, Pechsiri, Sonkaew, Na‐Nakorn, Sean‐In and Yashiro () and Yue, Zhu, Lo, Wang, Lin, Feng, Pang, Li, Gong, Liu, Tan, Chou, Lim and Orban (), captive stocks from Southeast Asia displayed higher levels of allelic genetic diversity when compared to the Australian populations presented in this study. This could be due to differences in the evolutionary history of regional populations, sample size or the use of different genetic markers by our studies.…”

“…This could be due to differences in the evolutionary history of regional populations, sample size or the use of different genetic markers by our studies. Three of the loci used in our study were also utilized by Senanan et al (2014), and 10 loci were used by Yue et al (2009). Previous DNA barcoding analysis has revealed that Australian and Myanmar barramundi samples might represent two different species (Ward, Holmes & Yearsley 2008), and this could also account for the observed differences between this study and those of individuals from Southeast Asia.…”

“…Three of the loci used in our study were also utilized by Senanan et al . (), and 10 loci were used by Yue et al . ().…”

Dietary administration of astaxanthin improves feed utilization, growth performance and survival of Asian seabass,Lates calcarifer(Bloch, 1790)

“…Asian seabass or also known as barramundi or giant sea perch ( Lates calcarifer Bloch) is an economically important catadromous fish species in Asia Pacific region and Australia. Thailand has been one of the major producers of fingerlings and marketable fish for both domestic and regional markets, including China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (Joerakate et al, ; Senanan et al, ). The production of Asian seabass has emerged as one of the fastest‐growing sectors in the global aquaculture industry with recent market expansion growth in many European and North American countries (Glencross, Blyth, Irvin, Bourne, & Wade, ; Harrison, Calogeras, & Phillips, ).…”

Loss of genetic variability in the captive stocks of tambaqui,Colossoma macropomum(Cuvier, 1818), at breeding centres in Brazil, and their divergence from wild populations

“…One of the factors that influences the genetic variability of farm stocks and represents the first step in any improvement program is the formation of the broodstock (Fernández, Toro, Sonesson, & Villanueva, ; Hayes, He, Moen, & Bennewitz, ; Holtsmark, Klemetsdal, Sonesson, & Woolliams, ; Senanan, Pechsiri, Sonkaew, Na‐nakorn, & Sean‐in, ). The original broodstock of C. macropomum was established in 1966 in the Rodolfo von Ihering Agricultural Research Centre (CPaq) in the town of Pentecostes, in the Brazilian state of Ceará.…”