GenoMar Genetics has secured a three-year innovation grant from the Research Council of Norway to enhance fillet yield in tilapia. The project will apply imaging technology and machine learning to support more accurate selection in breeding without compromising fish welfare.
Applying Medical Imaging in Tilapia
The project will use medical-grade CT scans (Computed Tomography) to assess traits such as muscle volume and body composition in tilapia. This allows for detailed, non-invasive measurement of carcass traits linked to fillet yield and overall health.
“When combined with genomics and line breeding, CT gives us a powerful toolbox to improve genetic gain,” says Anders Skaarud, Senior Researcher and project lead at GenoMar.
A Step Forward in Selective Breeding
GenoMar began selecting for fillet yield in 2006, achieving gradual genetic improvements over time. The selection efforts have resulted in modest increase in fillet yield. Utilizing CT scanning for this trait opens for better genetic evaluations, better selection decisions and ultimately faster genetic progress.
The experiment will take place at GenoMar’s breeding facility in Brazil, where several thousand fish from over 150 families are being raised. Fish are scanned at around 1 kg, and the top 5–10% are selected for breeding. This process repeats over 3–4 generations until the project is finished.
Potential First in Aquaculture
While CT-based selection is common in livestock like pigs and poultry, it has not yet been adopted in aquaculture. This project may be the first to implement the method at scale for fillet yield in fish.
“Our goal is to develop genetic products that increase edible yield, reduce production costs, and make tilapia more affordable,” says Alejandro Tola Alvarez, Director of Breeding & Genetics at GenoMar.
Funding and Collaboration
The Research Council of Norway will finance 50% of the project, with the remaining cost covered by GenoMar Genetics. The project builds upon earlier feasibility studies conducted in 2021–2022, which demonstrated that tilapia anatomy is well-suited for CT imaging.
For more information, please contact:
Alejandro Tola Alvarez, Director of Breeding & Genetics at GenoMar
alex@genomar.com, +47 483 28 271
About GenoMar Genetics Group
GenoMar Genetics Group is an international aquaculture breeding and distribution company focusing on the global tilapia markets. From breeding centres in Norway, Asia and Latin America, the company manage innovation and technology programs for some of the most recognized independent brands in the industry such as GenoMar and Aquabel.
A well developed and expanding production infrastructure enables to quickly disseminate genetic progress and supply year-round, high-quality stocks to farmers worldwide, contributing to a sustainable and profitable tilapia aquaculture industry.
GenoMar Genetics Group is owned by EW Group, a strategic international holding company which operates in the agri- and aquaculture business sectors.
