Commercial-Scale Implementation of Blue-Catfish Germplasm for Hybrid Production

Our long-range goal is to cryopreserve blue catfish sperm reliably at a commercial scale in a cost-effective manner for high-throughput production of catfish hybrids. This effort could allow farmers to specialize in germplasm only, or hybrid fingerling production only, thereby diversifying the industry and enhancing economic opportunities for catfish producers throughout rural southeastern region of the United States, a region that is impoverished and economically suppressed. By ensuring a reliable supply of blue catfish sperm for the production of hybrids, the industry can continue to be profitable amid rising prices for fuel and feeds, thereby maintaining food security for the nation. Furthermore, our industry will continue to compete effectively in a market that has seen an influx of cheap and sometimes low quality imports.