Effect of the geographical origin on the presence of skeletaldeformities and swimbladder anomaly in a cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L) population. Estimation of genetic parameters

Abstract

The gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) is one of the most important Sparid farmed in Europe. However, abnormalities such us lordosis, lack of operculum and failure to inflate the swimbladder constitute a major problem for aquaculture industry by decreasing the final value of the fish. The use of stocks from different genetic origin to produce commercial fish usually cause great variability in the global quality of the end product. However, strategies that involve the development of selection schemes in sea bream for these traits of economic interest are scarce. In light of these circumstances, the effect of the geographical origin on the presence of anomalies as a measure of fish quality was analyzed. For this purpose a population of farmed gilthead sea bream obtained from broodstock from three differentiated geographical origin and reared under common conditions was analyzed from X‐ray photograph for the mayor anomalies present in this species. A posteriori reconstruction of pedigree was carried out in order to determine genetic parameters for fish anomalies. An effect of the geographical origin on the presence of skeletal malformation and on the lack of functional swimbladder was found, being lordosis and lack of operculum the most common skeletal deformities. Heritabilities were medium for lack of operculum and lack of functional swimbladder and high for lordosis. A medium genetic correlation and a positive phenotypic correlation were observed between the lack of functional swimbladder and lordosis. All these findings could be relevant for the establishment of successful breeding programs in aquaculture of this species.