Estimation of genetic parameters for growth traits in cultured clam Meretrix meretrix (Bivalvia: Veneridae) using the Bayesian method based on Gibbs sampling

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of the growth performance of clam Meretrix meretrix. As part of the breeding programme, 25 full‐sib families nested within eight half‐sib families were produced, planted out and tested to assess the heritability of the total body weight (TW), shell length (SL), shell height (SH) and shell width (SW) at different growth stages. Method of analysis was implemented using the Bayesian method based on the Multiple Trait using Gibbs Sampling under Animal Model program, which was used to estimate the (co)variance components of the traits and conduct genetic analysis. A total of 25 full‐sib families, each with 30–35 individuals within family, were used for the analysis. Significant positive genetic and phenotypic correlations between SL, SW, SH and TW with each other were observed. The growth traits showed high‐magnitude heritabilities, with values ranging from 0.64 to 0.85, which indicates that these traits should respond to selection and therefore should be included in genetic improvement programmes.