Sponsored content | Benchmark Genetics for Aquaculture Magazine
Benchmark Genetics introduces BenchTrace, a parentage assignment service for shrimp breeding programs that achieved up to 99.9% accuracy in internal validation and delivers pedigree information in weeks, not months.
BERGEN, 28 October 2026 – Benchmark Genetics is pleased to introduce BenchTrace, a fast and accurate parentage assignment service designed to help shrimp breeding programs identify family relationships, verify pedigrees and unlock greater value from their genetic data.
BenchTrace achieved up to 99.9% parentage assignment accuracy in internal validation using shrimp breeding datasets. From the moment we receive your tissue samples, the entire process – from DNA extraction and genotyping through data quality control and parentage assignment – delivering reliable pedigree information in weeks, not months.
Rearing shrimp families together earlier
Traditionally, shrimp families needed to be reared separately until they could be physically tagged to evaluate their performance. However, differences in rearing environments can make performance comparisons less reliable.
BenchTrace uses fast genetic analysis to accurately identify parentage, allowing families to be reared together earlier. The result: more reliable performance comparisons and more effective breeding decisions.
BenchTrace uses fast genetic analysis to accurately identify parentage, allowing families to be reared together earlier.
Part of a growing portfolio of genetic services
Developed as part of Benchmark Genetics’ growing portfolio of genetic services and products, BenchTrace combines rapid genetic testing, parentage analysis, and expert support to deliver accurate pedigree information when it matters. Its fast turnaround helps breeding teams identify family relationships sooner, maintain reliable pedigree records, and make timely, informed breeding decisions to drive genetic progress.
BenchTrace can support breeding and research programs across species. Alongside parentage assignment where parental genotype data are available, the service can identify family groups with partial as well as no parental samples, helping breeding teams establish family relationships within their populations.
Figure 1. Penaeus vannamei shrimp. Source: Benchmark Genetics.
Faster results, faster genetic progress
Dr. Maria Nayfa, Business Development Manager, Benchmark Genetics Services, says:
“BenchTrace delivers fast, reliable parentage information to support better breeding decisions. In species like shrimp, faster results can enable earlier selection and mating, potentially shortening generation intervals. More generations in less time means faster genetic progress.”
BenchTrace supports a range of breeding and research applications, including parentage assignment and pedigree verification, breeding program optimization, genetic improvement initiatives, family and stock management, and research and development projects. By combining genetic analysis with expert support, BenchTrace helps shrimp breeding programs make more informed breeding decisions, improve selection accuracy and support more efficient shrimp production.
Frequently asked questions
What is BenchTrace?
BenchTrace is a parentage assignment service from Benchmark Genetics designed to help shrimp breeding programs identify family relationships, verify pedigrees and unlock greater value from their genetic data.
How accurate is BenchTrace?
BenchTrace achieved up to 99.9% parentage assignment accuracy in internal validation using shrimp breeding datasets.
Can BenchTrace identify families without parental samples?
Yes. Alongside parentage assignment where parental genotype data are available, the service can identify family groups with partial as well as no parental samples.
Contact: Dr. Maria Nayfa, Business Development Manager, Benchmark Genetics Services. Email: maria.nayfa@bmkgenetics.com. Phone: +47 966 10 116.
About Benchmark Genetics
Benchmark Genetics is a leading global provider of genetics solutions for the aquaculture industry. The company operates two in-house breeding programmes for Atlantic salmon and is focused on enhancing genetic performance, sustainability, fish health, biosecurity, and security of supply for its customers.
Benchmark Genetics is present in major aquaculture markets across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, serving customers in more than 50 countries worldwide. In addition to its salmon breeding operations, the company offers advanced genetics and genotyping services for a wide range of aquaculture species, supporting selective breeding, stock improvement, and data-driven performance documentation across the industry.
Benchmark Genetics is wholly owned by Novo Holdings. Read more at: www.bmkgenetics.com
