Performance and nature of genetically improved carp strains in Asian countries

The WorldFish Center and its research partners have recently made efforts to develop genetically improved carp strains. This paper analyses the comparative performance of the genetically improved carp strains on both average and efficient farms in four carp-dominating Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam). The results show superior performance of improved strains in terms of body weight and survival rate on both average and efficient farms. On an average farm, the improved carp strain gives 15% higher body weight at harvest in India to 36% higher in Bangladesh. On an efficient farm also, the improved carp strain gives similar higher body weight at harvest. The improved carp strain has a higher survival rate on average farms, ranging from 7% in Thailand to about 27% in India. A higher carp yield is predicted for improved strains as compared to local strains under average as well as efficient farms. Genetically improved carp strains are generally neutral to feed use, and can be reared with the existing endowments of farmers and harvested for higher yield per unit area. It is expected that farmers would be able to sell the genetically improved carp fish at a lower market price. The study suggests that countries engaged in selective breeding program should continue their efforts in stock improvement and production of fish at lower cost to benefit both producers and consumers.