Breeding Programme

Aquaculture with salmonid species has a long history but systematic and efficient breeding programs have only been part of the production for some decades and many strains are still based on genetically unimproved stocks. Breeding and selection programs are necessary  to improve economically important traits in terms of genetic improvement and keeping inbreeding values at low levels.

Compared to other domesticated animals the benefits from intensive breeding programmes are still far from being utilized in aquaculture. The potential for improved performance by careful breeding strategies is remarkable and higher than what has been achieved in terrestrial animals.