By: Troutlodge
The Salmonids Business Unit of Hendrix Genetics had a notable participation at the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP), held July 11–17 in Madison, Wisconsin—one of the most influential scientific events in animal‑production genetics. More than 20 members of the Hendrix Genetics team attended the congress, representing various Business Units.
Research Presented by Dr. Katharina Correa
In the Aquaculture session, Dr. Katharina Correa, geneticist in the Salmonids Business Unit and part of the team supporting Troutlodge operations in Chile, presented the study: “Accounting for Different Ploidy Levels in Trout Genetic Evaluations in a Commercial Breeding Program”.
The work was developed in collaboration with specialists from Hendrix Genetics/Troutlodge and Wageningen University & Research.
Relevance for the Trout Industry
The research addresses a key challenge in genetic improvement programs: how to integrate phenotypic data from triploid fish into the genetic evaluation of diploid broodstock.
Triploids—fish with three sets of chromosomes—are widely used in the industry due to their performance and sterility, which reduces environmental risks. However, incorporating their information into commercial genetic models has been complex.
The study proposes a methodology applicable to breeding programs that enables:
- Improved selection accuracy for broodstock.
- Integration of triploid data without distorting evaluations.
- Optimized genetic progress in key production traits.
This advancement directly strengthens the competitiveness and sustainability of rainbow trout production.
Commitment to Innovation
Dr. Correa’s participation in WCGALP reinforces the commitment of Hendrix Genetics and Troutlodge to applied research and the development of genetic solutions that drive global aquaculture forward.
The article is available in the official WCGALP repository, where congress publications are hosted: “Accounting for Different Ploidy Levels in Trout Genetic Evaluations in a Commercial Breeding Program”
