Breeding for disease resistance in Atlantic salmon in the genome era: novel application of genomic tools and high resolution phenotypes
One of the main goals of this experiment is to investigate the correlation between two different models of the challenge tests against the PD virus in Atlantic salmon. We aim to challenge siblings from “resistant” and “susceptible” families using both intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, a model which causes virus to bypass the barrier function of the host and is expected to result in high mortalities, as well as by cohabitance, where little mortality if any is expected. Currently some concerns regarding the i.p. model include 1) the high costs associated with the challenge, 2) an un-natural way of introducing the pathogen and 3). some potential animal welfare concerns. At the same time however, due to relatively high mortalities, i.p. provides an easy way to identify families with higher resistance and capacity in fighting the pathogen, an important aspect for breeding purposes. On the other hand, although the cohab model may better represent natural field outbreaks and it is less costly compared to the former model, but it has a lower power in detecting families with higher resistance/tolerance against the disease. By simultaneously challenging, analyzing and comparing the performance and the profiles of some candidate genes among siblings of the same families, we aim to identify genetic markers that can be used as “high resolution” phenotypes for identifying families that are better suited to combat the virus. This is of social and Scientific value.
The experiment includes total of 10 families, 5 with high and 5 with low EBV against the PD virus.
1700 Atlantic salmon will be included in the study.
100 Atlantic salmon 5 Fish from each family will be selected (<30gr), where half of them will be challenged via the cohab model while the other half will go through the i.p. challenge. The fish will be kept at 12C rearing temperature and for the total duration of 12 weeks (2 weeks acclimations followed by 10 weeks challenge period).
FIsh will be taken out of the study before death if possible.
The experiment includes total of 10 families, 5 with high and 5 with low EBV against the PD virus.
1700 Atlantic salmon will be included in the study.
100 Atlantic salmon 5 Fish from each family will be selected (<30gr), where half of them will be challenged via the cohab model while the other half will go through the i.p. challenge. The fish will be kept at 12C rearing temperature and for the total duration of 12 weeks (2 weeks acclimations followed by 10 weeks challenge period).
FIsh will be taken out of the study before death if possible.