Benchmark Genetics Chile will start marketing a new salmon egg strain, SagaChile, in 2021 adjusted to the local market. The company developed a new variety of eggs, locally generated and that respond to the requirements and particularities of the salmon farms in this part of the world. The main focus of this new strain will be improved growth with late maturation, QTL IPN and genomic selection for resistance against SRS, Caligus and BKD.
“Our new brand in Chile reflects our commitment to own the past and how we have used the best of Benchmark Genetics' knowledge and resources worldwide to bring the Saga strain to the present, transformed into a new, improved and high-quality strain, locally produced and adapted to the conditions and challenges of our country: SagaChile,” the company said.
“Benchmark Genetics Chile brings together and implements the best genetics, the most advanced technology and the experience of its professionals in Norway, Iceland and Chile, to offer a tailored product, designed and specially adapted to the specific needs, conditions and challenges present in our country, “ said Pablo Mazo, general manager of BGCL.
In addition to balanced growth improvements with late maturation already incorporated into its base product, in this new strain, molecular markers by quantitative trait locus (QTL) for the Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis virus (IPN) have been incorporated, as well as increased resistance against Piscirickettsiosis (SRS), Caligus and Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD). These latest improvements were achieved from challenges against these pathogens in experimental stations in Chile, using validated and standardized methodologies.
“We believe in the Chilean industry. It is important for Benchmark Genetics to be in the second-largest salmon producing country, bringing to Chile our capabilities, knowledge, and also our business strategy based on customer support. Our plan is to become not only suppliers but also partners, improving the results and efficiency of farmers. We believe in the regulation implemented for Chilean aquaculture and we are sure that this is a sustainable industry in the long term, of which we want to be a part of,” said Mazo.
Operating in Chile since 2018, Benchmark Genetics Chile (BGCL) represents an evolution in the productive route initiated locally by StofnFiskur, providing Chilean producers with excellent genetic services from its two biosecure farms, in Ensenada and Curacalco.
