Improving rainbow trout survival against flavobacteria through genomic selection

Flavobacterium infections cause losses in the primary production of fish farming in Finland. Modern selective breeding programmes are based on genomic selection, in which individuals’ hereditary potential to pass on traits to offpsring is predicted using the natural DNA variation that occurs among individuals. The aim of the project is to develop a genomic evaluation for the national JALO selection programme for rainbow trout maintained by Luke, in order to improve the survival of rainbow trout against both F. psychrophilum and F. columnare infections. FLAVOVALINTA significantly affects the profitability of fry production and grow-out, fish health, adaptation to climate change, and reduces the use of antibiotics, all of which are objectives of the EMKVR program. Through the national selection programme maintained by Luke, genetically improved fish material can be easily distributed to all companies, thereby benefiting the entire fish farming value chain. The project has received funding from European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (https://merijakalatalous.fi/).