Journal article
Quantitative Genetic Variation and Response for Harvest Body Weight in a Selection Program for Red Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, Vol.6(1), pp.1-9
2026
Abstract
Genetic variation is indispensable for both natural and artificial selection, as well as evolution, adaptation, and the long-term success of selective breeding programs. This study attempted to scrutinise genetic variations and responses within the breeding population of red tilapia across eight generations of selection (2016–2023). A comprehensive dataset comprising 75,950 individual fish, progeny of 1203 dams and 600 sires, with recorded body weights, was analysed. Employing a restricted maximum likelihood approach within a mixed model framework, we estimated variance components and genetic responses for this trait. Our analyses revealed the sustained presence of the additive genetic component throughout the breeding program, with the heritability estimates ranging from 0.17 to 0.27 (± 0.03–0.07) for body weight. Provided with the sustained genetic variance, the selection program significantly enhanced the body weight trait, achieving an average genetic gain of 13.5% per generation (or per year). Regression analysis of estimated breeding values against the year of birth demonstrated a consistent linear genetic trend for body weight across generations, with a regression coefficient denoted as 59.9 g or 1.21 genetic standard deviation unit. In conclusion, our selective breeding program has effectively maintained both genetic variance and genetic response in the selection criterion, specifically body weight, within this closed nucleus population of red tilapia. The abundant presence of heritable genetic components for body weight suggests a continuing response of this population to future selection pressures. Genetic selection emerges as an effective and powerful mean to augment the productivity of animal populations, thereby fostering sustainable aquaculture production.
Details
- Title
- Quantitative Genetic Variation and Response for Harvest Body Weight in a Selection Program for Red Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
- Authors
- Tran Huu Phuc - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2 (Vietnam)Pham Dang Khoa - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2 (Vietnam)Nguyen Thi Dang - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2 (Vietnam)Tran Thi Mai Huong - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2 (Vietnam)Huynh Thi Bich Lien - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2 (Vietnam)Vo Thi Hong Tham - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2 (Vietnam)Nguyen Huynh Duy - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2 (Vietnam)Nguyen Hong Nguyen (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, Vol.6(1), pp.1-9
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1002/aff2.70175
- ISSN
- 2693-8847
- Copyright note
- © 2026 The Author(s). Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
- Data Availability
- The data that support the findings of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.
- Grant note
- This project was funded by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991208976202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Fisheries