Genetics of Growth and Reproduction in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed a Plant-Based Diet

Increasing pressure for the development and use of plant-derived feeds in the culture of salmonid fishes originates from environmental and economic forces. The ability of these fish to efficiently utilize these diets for growth and reproduction, and the genetic variation within populations for these traits, has not been examined. Success in this project will lead to development of strains of rainbow trout that efficiently utilize plant-based diets. Further refinement of the understanding of diet x genotype interactions for growth and reproduction will aid in the development of products that meet these demands. Development of a rapid, cost effective DNA microsatellite analysis for the assignment of pedigree will enable fish breeding companies to more accurately select top performing animals on the basis of additive genetic merit, allowing for increased gains each generation of selection