Using maternal strain in tilapia production (Oreochromis niloticus)

Resumo

The world’s fish production has been growing in response to the great demand for healthy food and Brazil has the conditions
to export fish. However, the development of the chain is necessary, with the use of production techniques and tested genetic
material. Tilapia is an excellent breeder, however, studies on specialized varieties need to be performed. Therefore, this work
was developed with the objective of evaluating the effect of using a maternal variety adapted to the region on morphometric
performance and meat production of the offspring. Data from offspring originating from nine distinct genetic groups produced
in the 2015/2016 aquaculture year were collected in the fish farming sector of the Federal University of Lavras. All animals
were weighed and had their morphometry measured, then slaughtered and processed in order to obtain the weight of the
cuts and processing residues. The general and specific combining ability and the maternal effect were estimated and the
morphometric averages, cuts, and yields were grouped using the Scott-Knott method (p<0.05). In general, the genetic groups
descending from MGTUFLAP variety had worse performance for head size and filet weight but obtained higher filet yield
and lower carcass yield. The adapted variety had good general and specific combining ability, as well as a better maternal
effect on the traits of head weight and filet yield. It is concluded that the MGTUFLAP variety as a maternal line provided a
reduction in carcass weight and promoted an increase in fillet yield in its progenies.