Performance of the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain over ten generations of selection in Malaysia

Abstract

A selection programme using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) method for the estimation of genetic merit was implemented by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) in collaboration with the WorldFish Centre. This collaborative programme provided opportunities for further improvement of the GIFT strain in Malaysia. The overall aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of GIFT strain during the long-term selection programme in Malaysia. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) examine the systematic fixed effects on growth performance traits, (ii) estimate genetic parameters for growth-related traits, and (iii) measure the direct response of the selection on harvest weight.