Selection for growth performance of tank-reared Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

Seven growth-related traits were measured to assess the selection response and genetic parameters of the growth of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, which had been domesticated in tanks for more than four generations. Phenotypic and genetic parameters were evaluated and fitted to an animal model. Realized response was measured from the difference between the mean growth rates of selected and control families. Realized heritability was determined from the ratio of the selection responses and selection differentials. The animal model heritability estimate over generations was 0.44±0.09 for body weight (BW), and ranged from 0.21±0.08 to 0.37±0.06 for size traits. Genetic correlations of phenotypic traits were more variable (0.51–0.97), although correlations among various traits were high (>0.83). Across generations, BW and size traits increased, while selection response and heritability gradually decreased. Selection responses were 12.28%-23.35% for harvest weight and 3.58%–13.53% for size traits. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.34±0.09 to 0.48±0.15 for harvest weight and 0.17±0.01–0.38±0.11 for size traits. All phenotypic and genetic parameters differed between various treatments. To conclude, the results demonstrated a potential for mass selection of growth traits in L. vannamei. A breeding scheme could use this information to integrate the effectiveness constituent traits into an index to achieve genetic progress.     

Mutations in exons of the CYP17-II gene affect sex steroid concentration in male Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

As a specific gene of fish,cytochrome P450c17-Ⅱ(CYP17-Ⅱ) gene plays a key role in the growth,development and reproduction level of fish.In this study,the single-stranded conformational polymorphism(SSCP) technique was used to characterize polymorphisms within the coding region of CYP17-Ⅱ gene in a population of 75 male Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus).Three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were identified in CYP17-Ⅱ gene of Japanese flounder.They were c.G594A(p.G188R),c.G939A and c.G1502A(p.G490D).SNP1(c.G594A),located in exon 4 of CYP17-Ⅱ gene,was significantly associated with gonadosomatic index(GSI).Individuals with genotype GG of SNP1 had significantly lower GSI(P < 0.05) than those with geno-type AA or AG.SNP2(c.G939A) located at the CpG island of CYP17-Ⅱ gene.The mutation changed the methylation of exon 6.Indi-viduals with genotype AA of SNP2 had significantly lower serum testosterone(T) level and hepatosomatic index(HSI) compared to those with genotype GG.The results suggested that SNP2 could influence the reproductive endocrine of male Japanese flounder.How-ever,the SNP3(c.G1502A) located in exon 9 did not affect the four measured reproductive traits.This study showed that CYP17-Ⅱ gene could be a potentially useful candidate gene for the research of genetic breeding and physiological aspects of Japanese flounder.     

Yield trait improvement of bay scallops following complete diallel crosses between different scallop stocks

This study describes the complete diaUel hybridization between newly introduced bay scallop stock （W） from Canada and local commercial stock （D） grown under laboratory conditions, in China. Larval survival and growth during all life stages （larvae, spat, and adult） were compared among hybrid （DW, WD） and purebred （DD, WW） populations. Significant heterosis was detected for survival during the larval stage （〉 1% of the mid-parent values）. The mean heterosis （Hm） varied in growth throughout the life span. More than 50% of the Hm values were positive and negative in the DW and WD groups, respectively. The influence of maternal effects and mating types （intrapopulation vs. interpopulation crosses） on growth for all life stages was not consistent. Larval survival did not differ significantly （P〉0.05） with maternal effect or mating type. In the harvest stage, shell length （SL）, shell height （SH）, shell width （SW）, and total weight （TW） were larger in the hybrid compared with the inbred groups. Positive Hm values were observed in SL （1.5%）, SW （5.8%）, and TW （12.3%）, and were more significant in the DW groups （6.1%, 4.5%, 6.8%, and 27.2%）. These results suggest that hybridization between two geographic populations is a good tool for improving bay scallop growth. However, unstable heterosis between the two populations requires further study.     

Effect of culture methods on individual variation in the growth of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus within a cohort and family

There is substantial individual variation in the growth rates of sea cucumber Apostiehopus japonicus individuals. This necessitates additional work to grade the seed stock and lengthens the production period. We evaluated the influence of three culture methods （free-mixed, isolated-mixed, isolated-alone） on individual variation in growth and assessed the relationship between feeding, energy conversion efficiency, and individual growth variation in individually cultured sea cucumbers. Of the different culture methods, animals grew best when reared in the isolated-mixed treatment （i.e., size classes were held separately）, though there was no difference in individual variation in growth between rearing treatment groups. The individual variation in growth was primarily attributed to genetic factors. The difference in food conversion efficiency caused by genetic differences among individuals was thought to be the origin of the variance. The level of individual growth variation may be altered by interactions among individuals and environmental heterogeneity. Our results suggest that, in addition to traditional seed grading, design of a new kind of substrate that changes the spatial distribution of sea cucumbers would effectively enhance growth and reduce individual variation in growth of sea cucumbers in culture.     

Production of dimethylsulfide and acrylic acid from dimethylsulfoniopropionate during growth of three marine microalgae

We measured the concentrations of dimethylsulfide （DMS）, acrylic acid （AA）, and dimethylsulfoniopropionate （DMSP） during growth of three microalgae： Prorocentrum micans, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, and Platymonas subcordiformis. The DMSP, AA, and DMS concentrations in culture media varied significantly among algal growth stages, with the highest concentrations in the late stationary growth stage or the senescent stage. In the stationary growth stage, the average DMSP concentration per cell in P. micans （0.066 5 pmol/cell） was 1.3 times that in G. oceanica （0.049 5 pmol/ cell） and 20.2 times that in P. subcordiformis （0.003 29 pmol/cell）. The average concentrations of AA were 0.044 6, 0.026 9, and 0.003 05 pmol/cell in P. micans, G. oceanica, and P. subcordiformis, respectively, higher than the concentrations of DMS （0.272, 0.497, and 0.086 2 fmol/cell, respectively）. There were significant positive correlations between cell density and AA, DMSP, and DMS concentrations. The ratios of DMS/AA and AA/（DMSP＋AA） in the three algae differed significantly over the growth cycle. In all three microalgae, the DMS/AA ratios were less than 25% during the growth period, suggesting that the enzymatic cleavage pathway, which generates DMS, was not the main DMSP degradation pathway. The changes in the DMS/AA ratio indicated that there was a higher rate of enzymatic breakdown of DMSP in the early growth period and a lower rate during senescence. In all three microalgae, the AA/（DMSP＋AA） ratio （degradation ratio of DMSP） decreased during the exponential growth phase, and then increased. The variations in these ratios can approximately indicate the cleavage mechanism of DMSP at different stages of algal growth.     

Studies on the effects on growth and antioxidant responses of two marine microalgal species to uniconazole

Uniconazole, as a plant growth retardant, can enhance stress tolerance in plants, possibly because of improved antioxidation defense mechanisms with higher activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and peroxidase(POD) enzymes that retard lipid peroxidation and membrane deterioration. These years much attention has been focused on the responses of antioxidant system in plants to uniconazole stress, but such studies on aquatic organism are very few. Moreover, no information is available on growth and antioxidant response in marine microalgae to uniconazole. In this paper, the growth and antioxidant responses of two marine microalgal species, Platymonas helgolandica and Pavlova viridis, at six uniconazole concentrations(0-15 mg L-1) were investigated. The results demonstrated that 3 mg L-1 uniconazole could increase significantly chlorophyll a and carbohydrate contents of P. helgolandica(P 0.05). Higher concentrations(≥12 mg L-1) of uniconazole could inhibit significantly the growth, dry weight, chlorophyll-a and carbohydrate contents of P. helgolandica and P. viridis(P 0.05). Uniconazole caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation production(MDA) at higher concentrations(≥ 9 mg L-1). The activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) were enhanced remarkably at low concentrations of uniconazole. However, significant reduction of SOD and CAT activities was observed at higher concentrations of uniconazole.     

Effects of nitrogen specification and culture method on growth of Enteromorpha prolifera

Eutrophication, which is the enrichment of a water mass with inorganic and organic nutrients that support plant growth, is a key factor in stimulating phytoplankton growth. In this study, we determined the effects of various nitrogen sources, different nitrogen concentrations in the culture medium, and two culture methods on the growth of the green alga, Enteromorpha prolifera. The relationship between the specific growth rate of E. prolifera and NO3--N concentration was consistent with that estimated using the Monod equation (R2 = 0.9713, P < 0.01). In the NO3--N medium, the maximum specific growth rate was calculated to be 0.1634/d and the semi-saturation constant was calculated to be 16.86 μmol/L. Our results show that E. prolifera can effectively utilize NH4+-N, NO3--N, and NO2--N and urea-N in the range of 5 to 50 μmol/L. NH4+-N was preferentially assimilated by E. prolifera, and urea-N was favorable for long-term growth.     

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of FSHβ Gene Associated with Reproductive Traits in Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Follicle stimulating hormone β (FSHβ) of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) plays a key role in the regulation of gonadal development.This study aimed to investigate molecular genetic characteristics of the FSHβ gene and elucidate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FSHβ on reproductive traits in Japanese flounder.We used polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing of the FSHβ gene in 60 individuals.We identified only an SNP (T/C) in the coding region of exon3 of FSHβ.The SNP (T/C) did not lead to amino acid changes at the position 340 bp of FSHβ gene.Statistical analysis showed that the SNP was significantly associated with testosterone (T) level and gonadosomatic index (GSI) (P0.05).Individuals with genotype TC of the SNP had significantly higher serum T levels and GSI (P0.05) than that of genotype CC.Therefore, FSHβ gene could be a useful molecular marker in selection for prominent reproductive trait in Japanese Flounder.     

Effects of salinity on embryonic development,survival, and growth of Crassostrea hongkongensis

This study examined the effects of salinity on embryonic development, survival, and growth of the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis. The embryos, larvae, and juveniles of C. hongkongensis were held in artificial seawater at three different salinities (low, 15; medium, 23; and high, 30) to determine the optimum hatchery and nursery conditions for mass production of the seeds. Results showed that the percentage production of straight-hinged larvae from fertilized eggs was significantly lower at the high salinity than at the low- and medium-salinities (P < 0.05). The survival rates of larvae and juveniles differed significantly among the three salinity trials, with the highest survival rate observed at the low salinity (P < 0.05). The shell height of larvae was significantly larger at the low salinity than at the high and medium salinities from days 9 to 15 (P < 0.05), whereas that of juveniles was significantly larger at the low salinity than at the high and medium salinities on day 70 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the larvae and juveniles of C. hongkongensis are tolerant to a wide range of salinities (15 to 30), but show better growth and survival at relatively low salinities. Thus, it is recommended to use relatively low salinities in hatchery and nursery systems for improved yields of C. hongkongensis.     

Estimation of non-CO2 GHGs emissions by analyzing burn severity in the Samcheok fire, South Korea

This study was performed to estimate the emission of non-CO 2 greenhouse gases(GHGs) from biomass burning at a large fire area.The extended methodology adopted the IPCC Guidelines(2003) equation for use on data from the Samcheok forest fire gathered using 30 m resolution Landsat TM satellite imagery,digital forest type maps,and growing stock information per hectare by forest type in 1999.Normalized burn ratio(NBR) technique was employed to analyze the area and severity of the Samcheok forest fire that occurred in 2000.The differences between NBR from pre-and post-fire datasets are examined to determine the extent and degree of change detected from burning.The results of burn severity analysis by dNBR of the Samcheok forest fire area revealed that a total of 16,200 ha of forest were burned.The proportion of the area characterized by a ’Low’ burn severity(dNBR below 152) was 35%,with ’Moderate’(dNBR 153-190) and ’High’(dNBR 191-255) areas were at 33% and 32%,respectively.The combustion efficiency for burn severity was calculated as 0.43 for crown fire where burn severity was ’High’,as 0.40 for ’Moderate’ severity,and 0.15 for ’Low’ severity surface fire.The emission factors for estimating non-CO 2 GHGs were separately applied to CO 130,CH 4 9,NO x 0.7 and N 2 O 0.11.Non-CO 2 GHGs emissions from biomass burning in the Samcheok forest fire area were estimated to be CO 44.100,CH 4 3.053,NO x 0.238 and N 2 O 0.038 Gg.     

Genetic improvement on Chinese shrimp （Fenneropenaeus chinensis）： growth and viability performance in F1 hybrids of different populations

Fenneropenaeus chinensis distributed in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea of China and the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. Different geographical populations represent potentially different genetic resources. To learn further the characteristics of different geographical population, crosses among two wild and three farmed populations were produced. The two wild populations were from the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea (WYP), and the west coast of the Korean Peninsula and coast (WKN). The three farmed populations included the offspring of first generation of wild shrimp from coast in Korea (FKN), the Huang Hai (the Yellow Sea in Chinese) No. 1 (HH 1), and JK98. The phenotypes growth and survival rates of these populations were compared to confirm the feasibility for crossbreeding. The body length (BL), carapace length (CL), carapace width (CW), height of the second and third abdominal segment (HST), width of the second and third abdominal segment (WST), length of the first abdominal segment (LF), length of the last abdominal segment (LL), live body weight (BW), and survival rate were measured. Different combinations were statistically performed with ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple significant difference (P<0.05) in BL, CL, HST, LL, and BW; and insignificant difference (P0.05) in other growth traits and survival rate. The results of Duncan's Multiple Range Test are that BL and CL of was the best combination in all growth traits. Therefore, hybridization can introduce the variation to base populations. The systematic selection program based on additive genetic performance may be more effective than crossbreeding.     

Turbot Scophthalmus maximus：stocking density on growth, pigmentation and feed conversion

1 INTRODUCTION Turbot is a type of marine flatfish naturally distributing along the coastal area of European. It is highly demanded for good taste. The price therefore, is very expensive. To meet the consump- tion, large-scale turbot cultures were perform…     

Estimated reproductive success of brooders and heritability of growth traits for large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) using microsatellites

We estimated the reproductive success of adult brood fish and the heritability of growth-related traits for large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). We created two independent full-factorial cross groups (1 and 2) by crossing 4 males×4 females and 4 males×3 females, respectively. We measured the body weight (BW), body length (BL), and body height (BH) of 281 individuals from group 1 and 318 individuals from group 2 at 20 months post hatch (harvest age). We also collected a tissue sample from each individual. The parents and offspring were genotyped using six polymorphic microsatellites. Of the 599 offspring, 99.2% were assigned to a single pair of parents. In both groups, some parent pairs produced a large number of offsprings while other pairs did not produce any offspring. The genetic diversity and putative Ne were lower in the offsprings than in the parents in both groups. The heritability estimates at 20-month age were 0.13±0.10 for BW, 0.19±0.13 for BL, and 0.09±0.06 for BH. The genetic and phenotype correlation between BW, BL, and BH was close to 1. The results provide basic information for selective breeding and further genetic characterization of large yellow croaker.     

Phenotypic correlations of somatic and gonad traits of sea urchins Glyptocidaris crenularis in two sampled periods: first insight into its breeding and aquaculture

Prior knowledge of the correlations among commercially important traits in Glyptocidaris crenularis can be used to guide development of breeding and aquaculture programs for this species. We evaluated the phenotypic correlations between somatic and gonadal traits in G. crenularis during two sample periods （October 2010 and April 2011）. The coefficients of variation （CV%） for body weight （BW）, redness （a＊）, yellowness （b＊）, gonad wet weight （GW）, and gonad index （GI） were 〉20% in both periods, while those of other traits were very low. GW was significantly correlated with somatic traits （diameter, height, and body weight） in both periods, although the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.473 to 0.636 （P〈0.01）. Gonad moisture content （GC）, a＊, and lightness （L＊） were not significantly correlated with somatic traits （P〉0.05）. The color trait b＊ was negatively correlated with somatic traits （test diameter, test height, and body weight） during the period when the gonads were well developed （April 2011, P〈0.05）. We observed little difference in the nature of the phenotypic correlations between the two sample periods. The high variation in the somatic and gonad weight traits in G. crenularis suggests there is considerable potential for selective breeding. However, our results suggest that gonad quality traits cannot be selected indirectly by selecting for body weight. Our study provides an insight into the method for improving the breeding and aquaculture of G. crenulari.     

华贵栉孔扇贝两种壳色群体生长和消化酶活力比较

以华贵栉孔扇贝桔黄和紫褐壳色个体为亲本建立两个壳色群体,从壳长、壳高、壳宽和体重几方面进行生长比较,并对两个群体做了淀粉酶和纤维素酶活力比较。结果表明:桔黄壳色群体的平均壳长、平均壳高、平均壳宽和平均体重显著大于紫褐壳色群体(P<0.05)。在24℃、27℃、30℃和33℃条件下,桔黄壳色群体的淀粉酶和纤维素酶活力显著高于紫褐壳色群体(P<0.05);不同壳色群体生长与其淀粉酶和纤维素酶活力有关。     

ZResponse to selection, heritability and genetic correlations between body weight and body size in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

To quantify the response to selection,heritability and genetic correlations between weight and size of Litopenaeus vannamei,the body weight (BW),total length (TL),body length (BL),first abdominal segment depth (FASD),third abdominal segment depth (TASD),first abdominal segment width (FASW),and partial carapace length (PCL) of 5-month-old parents and of offspring were measured by calculating seven body measurings of offspring produced by a nested mating design.Seventeen half-sib families and 42 full-sib families ofL.vannamei were produced using artificial fertilization from 2-4 dams by each sire,and measured at around five months post-metamorphosis.The results show that heritabilities among various traits were high:0.515士0.030 for body weight and 0.394士0.030 for total length.After one generation of selection,the selection response was 10.70% for offspring growth.In the 5"’ month,the realized heritability for weight was 0.296 for the offspring generation.Genetic correlations between body weight and body size were highly variable.The results indicate that external morphological parameters can be applied during breeder selection for enhancing the growth without sacrificing animals for determining the body size and breed ability;and selective breeding can be improved significantly,simultaneously with increased production.     

Response to selection for fast growth in the second generation of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

Mass selection for fast growth was conducted in three Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) stocks from China, Japan and Korea using previously established lines (CS1, JS1, and KS1). To determine whether continuous progress can be achieved by selection for growth, the progeny of three second-generation Pacific oyster lines was selected for shell height and evaluated via a 400-day farming experiment. When harvested at the end of the experiment, the selected crosses of CS2, JS2, and KS2 lines grew by 9.2%, 10.2% and 9.6% larger than the control crosses, respectively. During grow-out stage, the genetic gain of three selected lines was (10.2 ± 1.4)%, (10.4 ± 0.3)%, and (8.4 ± 1.6)%, respectively; and the corresponding realized heritability was 0.457 ± 0.143, 0.312 ± 0.071 and 0.332 ± 0.009, respectively. These results indicated that the selection for fast growth achieved steady progress in the second generation of oyster. Our work provides supportive evidence for the continuity of the Pacific oyster selective breeding program.