Genetics-based resistance 'opens the door to disease management' in shrimp

Aquaculture biotechnology company Benchmark has published results of what is says is breakthrough research on the genetic basis of resistance to co-infection of the  microsporidian parasite Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) and White Faeces Syndrome (WFS) in white-leg shrimp.

Benchmark Genetics said the discovery opens the door to sustainable disease management solutions for shrimp farmers, offering the potential for enhanced productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship across the industry.

Co-infection of EHP and specific bacteria like Vibrio spp. has been identified as a major contributor to WFS, leading to stunted shrimp growth and significant financial losses for farmers.

Challenge test

Benchmark Genetics’ research, conducted through a challenge test experiment on a population from its breeding programme in Colombia, demonstrates the feasibility of using genetic selection to enhance disease resistance in shrimp. Notably, the study identifies moderate heritability for resistance to co-infection, underscoring the potential for selective breeding to bolster shrimp health and resilience against these diseases.

Key findings from the study include:

• Moderate heritability for disease resistance: Results indicate that resistance to co-infection of EHP and WFS is moderately heritable, supporting selective breeding as a viable strategy.
• Compatibility with shrimp growth: Disease resistance and shrimp growth showed no significant negative genetic correlation, allowing for simultaneous improvements in both traits.
• Genomic selection advantage: Genomic selection, as opposed to traditional pedigree-based selection, proved more accurate and effective in predicting shrimp resistance.
• Complex genetic influence: The study reveals that resistance is influenced by multiple genes with small effects, validating the use of genomic selection

Improved profitability

Benchmark Genetics said in a press release that it has already implemented these findings into practice, applying genomic selection in its breeding programme to produce shrimp lines with improved resistance to co-infection by EHP and WFS. The anticipated benefits include improved profitability for farmers through enhanced productivity and reduced treatment and disease management costs.

Enhancing disease resistance through genetics will lead to more stable and resilient and sustainable shrimp farming, reducing dependency on chemicals and antibiotics, said Benchmark.

“We are thrilled to share our research findings with the aquaculture community,” said Carlos Lozano, shrimp and tilapia breeding programme lead at Benchmark Genetics. “This study reinforces our commitment to pioneering genetics-based solutions and highlights our dedication to enhancing both the economic and environmental sustainability of shrimp farming worldwide.”

The complete study is available in the Journal of Aquaculture.