"Supertilápia": how Santa Catarina created heavier fish
Epagri developed the "supertilápia" in Santa Catarina, with a 39% weight gain after genetic improvement. Read more on Gazeta do Povo.
TL;DR
- Santa Catarina's Epagri has developed a genetically improved tilapia strain, resulting in a 39% increase in weight over five generations.
- The 'supertilápia' program uses individual fish identification, DNA analysis, and selective crossbreeding to enhance performance.
- The research aims to improve tilapia production in Santa Catarina, a region with climatic and topographical limitations for aquaculture.
- The genetically selected tilapia, exemplified by the SC04 lineage, shows better adaptation to local conditions, including lower temperatures.
- The program supplies improved broodstock to fish producers, contributing to the state's significant growth in tilapia production, which increased by 65% in the last decade.
- Other modernization efforts in Santa Catarina's tilapia farming include specialized production systems and feeding guidance tools.