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Phenotypic and genetic parameters of body size traits in Atlantic salmon Salmo Salar L.
Author(s) -
Rye M,
Refstie T
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2109.1995.tb00882.x
Subject(s) - salmo , biology , sire , heritability , offspring , zoology , genetic correlation , genetic variation , fish <actinopterygii> , genetics , fishery , gene , pregnancy
Data on two year classes of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., reared for 2 years in sea water, were analysed. Records were obtained on 1271 offspring of 58 sires and 171 dams mated hierarchically. Medium‐high sire heritabilities (0.30‐0.38) were found for ungutted and gutted body weights, body length, body circumference and condition factor (whole‐body traits). Corresponding estimates for height and width of cutlet and average thickness of the abdominal wall ranged from 0.23 to 0.27. The latter measurements were made on a transversal section anterior to the dorsal fin. Heritability estimates derived from the dam component of variance corresponded in general to the sire estimates, indicating the absence of non‐additive genetic and environmental effects common to full sibs. Estimated phenotypic and genetic correlations among the traits were all positive. With regard to the likely breeding goal of a commercial selection programme, the genetic correlations of ungutted and gutted body weights with condition factor (r G =0.36‐0.37) were judged unfavourable. The results revealed substantial impact of sex and sexual maturation status on growth. The need is stressed for proper adjustment for these effects when assessing growth or growth‐related data.