Hendrix Genetics says that genotypes show differences in performance in different traits, caused by the environment. This is the so-called “genotype by environment” effect (GxE). Especially for Atlantic salmon in Chilean regions XI and XII, harvest weight differs greatly between families. This means that for optimal salmon production in region XII, fish should not be selected based on performance data from region XI and vice versa. When selecting the 10% best families for production in region XII based on performance in that region, an average gain of 802 grams can be realized compared to selecting families based on data collected in region XI.
Based on their centralized breeding program in Catripulli in combination with numerous sentinel groups in different locations under different conditions, Hendrix Genetics has optimized their selections for Atlantic salmon in the different Chilean regions using specific requirements which let them launch two new products.
EXPLORER, which was made for Magallanes. EXPLORER will be available from April 2019 in limited quantities. Selected from females that are proven to be late maturing, Explorer is protected against early maturation. With challenging growing conditions, Region XII requires a different selection of families to produce the right eggs.
CHALLENGER eggs are especially selected to perform in region X and XI. Based on a continuous flow of new data on growth and harvest performance, new breeding programs based on genomic selection, sentinel groups and survival test deliveries showed the desired results, outperforming the competition.
