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Capacity building in the area of genetics in Asia-Pacific region
Conference presentation

Capacity building in the area of genetics in Asia-Pacific region

Nguyen Hong Nguyen, R W Ponzoni, H L Khaw and C Lind
Asian Pacific Aquaculture Conference, 2009 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 03-Nov-2009–06-Nov-2009)
2009
url
https://www.was.org/WASMeetings/Meetings/ShowAbstract.aspx?Id=18563View
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Abstract

Fisheries Sciences
One of the limitations for aquaculture development in developing countries is the limited availability of trained personnel in the areas of genetics and statistics. Technical staff involved in aquaculture often have little or no training in quantitative genetics and applied statistics to conduct well designed breeding programs for aquatic animal species. As a result there have been very few genetically improved strains of fish or crustaceans developed and used for aquaculture. In response to the prevailing situation the WorldFish Center has placed a strong emphasis on the enhancement of research capacity and training of national scientists in the area of fish breeding and genetics. Annually we run at least one course in quantitative genetics and its application to genetic resource management. Almost all participants come from National Aquaculture Research Institutions in different countries. Overall, the main aim of our courses is providing students with basic principles in quantitative genetics applied to performance improvement for aquatic animal species. Advanced courses are sometimes organised upon request from partner countries or due to a need for the implementation of projects activities. Areas of genetics covered in our courses include basic Mendelian and population genetics, quantitative genetics, and application of molecular information and reproductive technologies to practical breeding programs. In particular, we focus on aspects of quantitative genetics applied to fish improvement. Topics normally covered in-depth include strain collection and evaluation, establishment of the foundation population, design and implementation of the selection program, effective population size and control of inbreeding, selection index, genetic evaluation systems, estimation of genetic parameters, breeding structure, strategies for the effective dissemination of the improved strain, and use of DNA information in selective breeding programs. Currently, we are broadening the scope of our training program by including other topics such as genetic conservation, risk assessment in relation to the use of improved strains, and resource management and biodiversity. The application of genomic selection will be also included in due course.

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