GenoMar Genetics Group introduced a GenoMar line in the Brazilian market. This top-selected tilapia genetics has been continuously developed for more than 30 years and until now, only available in Asia. This milestone follows years of planning and substantial investments including the establishment of a cutting-edge, biosecure breeding center in Tocantins, Brazil, and the importation of the strain into the country. The company is now managing the GenoMar breeding program also from the Americas, giving the industry more security of supply.
A fast-growing tilapia
GenoMar genetic program consists of a portfolio of lines and products adapted to different needs of the global tilapia industry. Based on the characteristics of the Brazilian market, the company is launching the first product called GenoMar 1000 with additional 1-2 products to be launched in coming years.
GenoMar 1000 is selected for fast growth that reduces the production cycle with a consequent increase in farm productivity. The product also combines robustness, resistance to specific pathogens and a competitive fillet yield.
In the pre-launch tests carried out under commercial farming conditions in Brazilian waters, GenoMar 1000 fish grew from approximately 20 to 1,000 grams in 114 days in cages and 121 days in ponds. Fish were compared with high-performing Brazilian genetics, showing 30% faster growth than the local genetics.
In addition to superior growth, GenoMar's fish groups also showed significantly better uniformity and the survival rates in cages were higher. Streptocccus agalactiae was detected at the cage site during the experiment. The elevated tolerance to this infection could be due to the selection for Streptococcosis resistance done over generations on the GenoMar fish.
Initially limited distribution
“The first sales are being made to selected groups of key customers and large tilapia producers in Brazil. These companies are vertically integrated and focused on serving the domestic market as well as exports. Together with GenoMar, they want to increase their productivity and profitability through the absorption of global leading genetics,” said Rodrigo Zanolo, commercial director in GenoMar Genetics Group.
Brazil is the fourth largest producer of tilapia in the world and the industry is poised for strong growth due to its natural resources, strong domestic consumption, and an appetite for absorbing new technologies.
Due to these characteristics, GenoMar has strategically invested in the Brazilian market, including the construction of its second genetic nucleus in Tocantins and the establishment of a robust R&D group in Brazil to support genetic development and biosecurity in their breeding programs.
“We are very proud of the commercial launch of GenoMar in Brazil. The arrival of this premium genetics on the Brazilian market represents the fulfillment of our promise to the industry and was only possible due to the competence and passion of our team,” said Alejandro Tola, CEO of GenoMar Genetics Group.
