Candidate genes associated with fatty acid compositions in north American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Fatty acids are a requirement for normal development, however, since humans are unable to de novo produce essential fatty acids, they must be obtained from diet. Atlantic salmon is a major dietary source of nutritious and digestible fatty acids. Here, we set out to uncover the genomic basis of individual fatty acids and indices (saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-3, and n-6) in 208 North American Atlantic salmon, to understand selection potential toward increasing relative quantities of essential fatty acids and to identify candidate genes for future research.

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) for growth rate and age at sexual maturation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Early sexual maturation is considered a serious drawback for Atlantic salmon aquaculture as it retards growth, increases production times and affects flesh quality. Although both growth and sexual maturation are thought to be complex processes controlled by several genetic and environmental factors, selection for these traits has been continuously accomplished since the beginning of Atlantic salmon selective breeding programs. In this genome-wide association study (GWAS) we used a 6.

Detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to grilsing and late sexual maturation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

In Atlantic salmon aquaculture, early sexual maturation represents a major problem for producers. This is especially true for grilse, which mature after one sea winter before reaching a desirable harvest weight, rather than after two sea winters. Salmon maturing as grilse have a much lower market value than later maturing individuals.