Genetic analysis of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): heterosis and heritability for harvest body weight

The aim of this study was to estimate heterosis and heritability for harvest body weight of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) measured at commercial farm conditions. Heterosis and heritability were estimated using a base population from diallel crosses of eight introduced strains. The base population included 9936 shrimp from 207 families that were produced with 188 sires and 172 dams using a nested mating design by artificial insemination. Heterosis was calculated basing on the least squares means (LSM) of harvest body weight. The results showed that most of the hybrids (75%) have positive heterosis for harvest body weight, which ranged from ?13.36% (UA2 × UA5) to 13.80% (UA6 × UA5) with a mean of 2.41%. The high amount of heterosis manifested in the hybrids indicated the usefulness of these hybrids for improving the growth. Variance components and heritability for harvest body weight were estimated using an animal model. The heritability estimate for harvest body weight was 0.092 ± 0.082 (h²) when genetic groups were excluded from the pedigree, but it was decreased when genetic groups were included in the pedigree ( = 0.066 ± 0.050), implying that there are strain additive genetic effect and heterosis in the base population. However, the heritability estimates for harvest body weight were significantly different from zero (P < 0.05) and there was no significant difference between h² and (P > 0.05). The results from this study indicated that significant improvement for growth is possible through cross‐breeding and selective breeding in L. vannamei.     

Genetic parameters and response to selection for harvest body weight of pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

Genetic parameters and response to selection were estimated for the harvest body weight of Litopenaeus vannamei. The data consisted of 24 072 progeny from 178 sires and 171 dams in two generations (G₀ and G₁) with a nested mating structure. All families were randomly divided into two groups and then cultured in two farms at different locations (Huanghua and Qingdao). The heritability estimates from G₀ and G₁ were 0.278 ± 0.136 and 0.423 ± 0.065 respectively. Over two generations, the heritability estimate was 0.335 ± 0.087, and the common environmental effect was 0.084 ± 0.031. A bivariate animal model was used to estimate variance and covariance components, whereby the body weight in the two farms was treated as a genetically distinct trait. Genetic correlation was close to unity (0.943 ± 0.066), indicating that a genotype by environmental interaction for harvest body weight was small. The response to selection in harvest body weight was estimated using two methods (the realized and predicted responses). The realized response was estimated from the difference in the least squares means of body weight for the selection and control populations. The predicted response was obtained from the difference in the mean estimated breeding values between generations. The realized response was 2.30%, while the predicted responses were 2.00% and 1.37% for within‐ and across‐generation datasets using two sets of genetic parameters respectively. The results would provide crucial information in pacific white shrimp breeding programs in China.     

凡纳滨对虾育种基础群体收获体重的未知亲本组效应分析

由于凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)属国外引进种,国内引进群体间(内)的亲缘关系及其遗传背景不清楚.为分析凡纳滨对虾基础群体中这些未知亲本组(unknown parent group,UPG)的效应,本研究收集生长速度和养殖存活率差异较大的3个凡纳滨对虾群体作为奠基者群体,通过双列杂交方法构建育种...     

Genetic parameters for spawning and growth traits in the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei)

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for spawning traits and growth traits in a breeding line of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei, selected for growth and survival. Traits studied were number of eggs (NE) and number of nauplii (NN) and female body weight at insemination (FWI) and body weight at 130 days of age (BW130). Genetic parameters were estimated using a multivariate animal model. Heritability for NE and NN were estimated as 0.13 ± 0.04 and 0.03 ± 0.04 respectively. The contribution to NN total variation due to ‘factors associated with male’ effect was estimated as 0.47 ± 0.07. In the cases of FWI and BW130, heritability was estimated as 0.44 ± 0.08 and 0.19 ± 0.03 respectively. Genetic correlation between FWI and NE was estimated as 0.49 ± 0.15, between FWI and NN as 0.54 ± 0.39 and between NE and NN as 0.27 ± 0.41, whereas the genetic correlations of FWI, NE and NN with BW130 were 0.30 ± 0.13, ?0.21 ± 0.19 and ?0.25 ± 0.38 respectively. Although it is important to perform more studies on this issue, our results found no evidence of a genetic antagonistic effect between female reproductive traits and body weight at harvesting (130 days of age) in P. vannamei.     

Heritability and genetic correlations for infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus load,body weight at harvest,and survival rate in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Heritability and genetic correlations for body weight at harvest size (BW), grow-out survival (SU), and log-transformed infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) load (VL_ln) in Litopenaeus vannamei were estimated. Data were obtained in 2012 from a shrimp breeding population in Mexico using 12,440 shrimp for BW and 16,814 shrimp for SU, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction determinations from 160 full-sib families were obtained for VL_ln. DNA was extracted from pooled muscle samples of six shrimp per family for a total of 960 individuals. Heritability estimates for BW, SU, and VL_ln at the family mean and at individual levels were 0.24 ± 0.08, 0.02 ± 0.01, 0.42 ± 0.45, and 0.08 ± 0.11, respectively. Genetic correlation estimates of BW with SU, BW with VL_ln, and VL_ln with SU were 0.40, −0.04, and −0.57, respectively. Our results suggest that VL_ln has genetic variation and a favorable genetic association with BW and SU. No serious drawbacks were found from selection responses estimated using single-trait and multitrait indices to increase BW and SU and decrease VL_ln. Favorable correlated responses for IHHNV tolerance estimated as BW/VL_ln and SU/VL_ln were also found. This study offers new insights into the possibility of using IHHNV viral load as a possible selection criterion in L. vannamei breeding programs.     

凡纳滨对虾幼虾体重性状在低温波动环境下的遗传参数分析

基于凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei) 40K SNP 芯片分型信息估计了低温波动条件下幼虾体重性状的遗传参数, 为凡纳滨对虾耐低温新品种的选育提供基础数据。利用来自 40 个家系的 4000 尾凡纳滨对虾幼虾, 通过地下井水降温的方式使养殖温度从 30 ℃骤降至 20 , 24 h ℃ 自然回温后稳定 4 d。该降温–回温–稳定过程重复 3 次, 继续养殖 15 d后进行体重和存活性状测试。与对照群体相比, 低温波动条件对凡纳滨对虾幼虾生长影响显著(P＜0.05), 而对存活性状影响不显著(P＞0.05)。根据个体的系谱信息构建 A 矩阵; 利用 40K SNP 芯片对 159 尾家系亲本及其同胞个体进行 SNP 分型, 复合 SNP 信息和系谱信息构建 H 矩阵。基于 A 和 H 矩阵, 利用个体动物模型估计体重性状的方差组分和遗传参数。低温波动条件下凡纳滨对虾幼虾基于 A 矩阵获得体重的遗传力为 0.37±0.07, 基于 H 矩阵获得体重的遗传力为 0.40±0.08, 为高遗传力水平。经交叉验证, 基于两种不同矩阵的预测准确性和偏差无明显差别。研究结果表明, 低温波动条件下凡纳滨对虾幼虾的体重性状表现出丰富的遗传变异, 多代选育可能获得较大的遗传进展。     

Moult cycle of laboratory-raised Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei and P. monodon

This study was carried out to gather quantitative data on the moult cycle and stages in laboratory-raised shrimp, kept at a constant temperature of 27°C. The stages of the moult cycle were differentiated and characterised by microscopic analysis of cuticle, epidermis and moulting processes in the uropods of P. vannamei and P. monodon. Five major moult stages were defined: early- and late post-moult (A and B), inter-moult (C) and early- and late pre-moult (D1 and D2). Total moult cycle duration was around 5 and 6.5 days for 2-g P. vannamei and P. monodon and 11 and 12 days for 15-g P. vannamei and P. monodon, respectively. Overall, the relative duration of the moult stages within the cycle was 5–10% for A, 9–16% for B, 12–20% for C, 28–36% for D1 and 30–38% for D2 stage. It was concluded from this study that the pre-moult stages comprised the dominant phase of the cycle and that P. monodon moulted at a significantly slower rate than P. vannamei, under the given conditions. Without the use of invasive techniques, the moult process was charted in laboratory-raised shrimp in Europe, providing a tool for taking into account this important physiological factor in further experiments.     

Genetic parameters for growth and survival traits in Pacific white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei from a nucleus population undergoing a two-stage selection program

A multivariate animal model and multi-generational data from a two-stage selection shrimp breeding program were used to estimate genetic parameters for a genetic nucleus of Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei. A total of 408,648 records from years 2008 to 2010 production cycles provided by a Mexican hatchery were analyzed. The studied traits were survival from 0 to 28 days of age (S1), square root of body weight at 28 days of age (W1^1/2), survival from 65 to 130 days of age (S2), and body weight at 130 days of age (W2). Mean (standard deviation) for W1^1/2 and W2 were estimated as 5.4 mg^1/2 (1.55) and 13.6 g (3.1), respectively, while mean (standard deviation) for S1 and S2 (as proportions) were estimated as 0.20 (0.41) and 0.71 (0.45), respectively. Heritabilities for S1, W1^1/2, S2, and W2 were 0.03 ± 0.01, 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.04 ± 0.01, and 0.21 ± 0.04, respectively. Genetic correlations of S1 with W1^1/2, S2, and W2 were ?0.49 ± 0.21, ?0.29 ± 0. 21, and ?0.40 ± 0.16, respectively. Genetic correlations of W1^1/2 with S2, and W2 were 0.55 ± 0.17, and 0.71 ± 0.12, respectively, and genetic correlation between S2 and W2 was 0.56 ± 0.10. Results show that selection based on W2 has a positive effect on S2, while selection based on W1^1/2, as an early selection criterion, would increase the selection responses for W2 and S2.     

Genetic differentiation in hatchery strains and wild white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei (Boone, 1931) from northwest Mexico

Ten enzymatic systems were analyzed to determine allozyme genetic differentiation among three hatchery strains (A, B and C) of white shrimp, Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei, commonly used in shrimp farming in northwest Mexico. A wild population from northern Sinaloa was used as a reference. Fifteen loci were detected, nine of which were polymorphic (ACP-1*, ACP-2*, AKP-2*, EST-2*, EST-3*, EST-4*, EST-5*, LAP*, and LDH*). Polymorphism of A, B and C were 53, 53, and 40%. The mean observed heterozygosity per locus was 0.071, 0.093, and 0.050 without any significant difference among them or with respect to the wild population (0.056). In all samples observed heteroxygosity was smaller than expected. The mean number of alleles per locus was 1.8 in A and 1.87 in both B and C. Strain A was the only sample without rare alleles. Only EST-3* and LAP* of strain A were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; the other loci were in disequilibrium in all samples. High inbreeding values and heterozygote deficiencies were detected in all samples. Distribution of allelic frequencies was heterogeneous among the samples (G-test), involving all polymorphic loci and suggesting a genetic differentiation. According to Fst, a moderate genetic differentiation (7.4%) was detected among the samples. Greater differences were between strains A and C. Based on genetic distance, the samples were grouped into two pairs, B–C and A-wild. Strain A is a young strain related to the wild sample, whereas strains B and C have a different geographic origin than the wild sample.     

Evaluating partial harvesting strategies for whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus (Penaeus) vannamei semi-intensive commercial production: profitability,uncertainty, and economic risk

Aquaculture International - A bioeconomic model and Monte Carlo simulation were used to analyze alternative management scenarios of partial harvesting schedules in semi-intensive shrimp...     

Identification and pathogenicity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates and immune responses of Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei (Boone)

Five different Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains (SH8, SH108, SH58, AH5 and GD10) isolated from the hepatopancreas of moribund shrimp in farms of mainland China were identified and capable of inducing massive mortality of Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei. The immersion challenge results with five isolates indicated variance of virulence, while only GD10 caused massive sloughing of tubule epithelial cells which was recognized as the most significant symptom of AHPND. Differences in immune responses were detected of P. vannamei during 48 h post‐infection (p.i.) by injection or immersion challenge with V. parahaemolyticus (SH8, SH108 and GD10) isolates. When injected SH8 and SH108 isolates, the expression of lysozyme (LSZ) showing statistically significant upregulation at 16 and 48 h p.i. and that of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) showed statistically significant upregulation at 48 h p.i. When immersion challenge with the GD10 isolate, TLR were upregulated after 8 h p.i. challenge with 10⁴ cfu mL^?1; however, LSZ was downregulated when challenged with 10³ cfu mL^?1. The results suggested that LSZ and TLR serve as crucial molecular markers of innate immunity in shrimp against V. parahaemolyticus infection. LSZ is a vital marker for acute bacterial infection, while TLR serves as a crucial marker for chronic infection.     

Genetic parameters and accuracy of selection for resistance to White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei using different statistical models

Genetic parameters for resistance to White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in the shrimp species Penaeus vannamei were estimated by using five different statistical models to analyze challenge test data. Data were recorded on the offspring of 338 full-sib families experimentally infected with WSSV, corresponding to four consecutive generations. Both the linear model (LBM) and the threshold model (TBM) defined disease resistance based on whether or not the animal was alive when the population reached 50% total mortality. The Cox (CM) and the Weibull (WM) proportional hazard frailty models were based on time until death (days post infection) and took censored observations into account. Finally, the linear repeatability model (LRM), considered test-day survival and censoring; where for every animal a binary record was defined for each test day up till the day of death (0 if still alive or 1 if dies, at the specific day). LBM and TBM measured the probability of surviving, whereas the CM, WM and LRM measured the risk of dying. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.01 (CM and LRM) to 0.21 (WM). The rank correlations between full-sib estimated breeding values (EBVs) from the LBM and TBM was close to 1, but lower between EBVs of these two models and the other models (ranging from − 0.82 to − 0.89). We attempted to predict the accuracy of selection that would be obtained with each model by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients between the full-sib EBVs estimated with data from different tanks. The highest accuracy of selection was found in the CM (0.79) followed by the WB and LRM (0.77 and 0.75 respectively). However the WM did not model properly the mortality pattern of the test population. Lowest correlations were found in the LBM and TBM (both 0.67). Based on these results we suggest selection programs for white spot resistance should be based on EBVs using models taking time to death into account with proper model of the mortality pattern of the test population (CM and LRM), rather than the models that define survival as a binary trait at 50% mortality (LBM and TBM).     

Daily activity pattern of the marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931) juveniles under laboratory conditions

Lack of information on the daily activity patterns of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931) might result in inadequate feed management strategies in shrimp farms. In order to provide information to improve feed management in shrimp farms, the daily activity of juvenile shrimp reared in glass aquaria was studied, using L. vannamei (7.57±1.01 g), equivalent to 33 shrimp m^?2. Thirty‐two shrimp were observed, half in light and half in dark phase, over 280 h in 15 min h^?1 windows. Feed was provided once a day, at 10% of tank biomass. Swimming, exploration of substrate, inactivity and cleaning were recorded through instantaneous focal sampling. During the dark phase, swimming was predominant and alternated with exploration. In the light phase, inactivity was predominant, and again alternated with exploration. Cleaning occurred evenly in both the light and the dark. Substrate exploration, which characterizes the search for food, occurred in both dark and light phases, with a most intense peak 7 h after light phase onset, indicating this as the optimal feed offer.     

Inbreeding Effects on Hatchery and Growout Performance of Pacific White Shrimp, Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei

In animal breeding programs, selection coupled with a narrow genetic base can cause high levels of inbreeding to occur rapidly (in one or two generations). Although the effects of inbreeding have been studied extensively in terrestrial animals and to a lesser extent in aquaculture species, little is known about the effects of inbreeding on penaeid shrimp. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inbreeding on hatchery and growout performance of the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. The experiment was conducted over 2 yr, and data from two successive generations (G₂ and G₃) of inbred (sibling–sibling mating) and outbred families were analyzed. There were 11 inbred and 12 outbred families in G₂ and 9 inbred and 10 outbred families in G₃. Inbreeding coefficients (F) for outbred and inbred families were 0.00 and 0.25, respectively, for G₂ and 0.00 and 0.375, respectively, for G₃. Growth rates for outbreds and inbreds were similar in both G₂ and G₃. Hatch rate for inbred families was 33.1% lower than for outbred families in G₂ and 47.1% lower in G₃. Inbreeding depression (IBD) (relative change in phenotype per 0.1 increase in F) ± 95% CI for hatch rate was ?12.3 ± 10.1%. Hatchery survival for inbred families was 31.4% lower than for outbred families in G₂ and 38.8% lower in G₃. IBD for hatchery survival was ?11.0 ± 5.7%. Growout survival was 1.9% lower for inbred families than for outbred families in G₂ and 19.6% lower in G₃. IBD for growout survival was ?3.8 ± 2.9%. There was also a significant linear relationship between IBD estimates for survival traits and mean outbred survival. At high outbred survival, IBD was low (e.g., growout survival in G₂), but IBD appeared to become more severe when outbred survival was lower. This suggests that stress (related to environment and/or life stage) may worsen IBD for survival traits. Results also indicate that moderate to high levels of inbreeding (>10%) should be avoided in commercial shrimp hatcheries because the cumulative effect of IBD on hatch rate and hatchery survival will significantly reduce postlarvae production. Thus, IBD can be significant enough to justify the use of inbreeding as a germplasm protection strategy (under certain scenarios) for genetic improvement programs.     

Genetic variation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931) culture of Thailand

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is highly pathogenic to penaeid shrimp and has caused significant economic losses in the shrimp farming industry in Thailand. Genotyping analysis was done in 124 WSSV isolates from cultured Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. These samples were obtained during 2007–2014 from eight provinces in Thailand. We investigated five variable loci in the virus genome: deletions in two variable regions, VR14/15 and VR23/24, and three variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) located in open reading frame (ORF) 75, 125 and 94. WSSV genotype was characterized as (X_14/15, X_23/24) (N₇₅‐N₁₂₅‐N₉₄) where X is the number of base pair deletion in the variable region and N is the number of repeat units (RUs) in a specific ORF. The deletion pattern in VR14/15 and VR23/24 regions characterized three WSSV genotypes. The most prevalent genotype was (5950_14/15, 10971_23/24), and it was found in all studied areas. At least 33 genotypes of WSSV were analysed based on 3 VNTR loci, indicating that the VNTRs of WSSV genome are highly variable. From 124 WSSV samples, two samples presented the characteristic of all five variable loci similar to WSSV collected during 2010 in Saudi Arabia (5950_14/15, 10971_23/24) (3₇₅‐6₁₂₅‐7₉₄). Many different WSSV genotypes shown in this study as compared to previously reported genotypes in Thailand suggests current status of disease epidemiology, as well as probable movements of WSSV between countries.     

Feeding responses of juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) fed at different frequencies under laboratory conditions

In shrimp farms, food partitioning during the course of the day is contradictory, ethology studies may help in determining the proper frequency. Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles were placed in 30 L aquariums (41 m⁻²), exposed to a 12:12 h light–dark cycle. Feeding was provided at 10% of biomass three, four and seven times per day, with observations made in 15 min h⁻¹ windows, initiated after the ration was offered. Latency to access the feeding tray and to start eating was recorded using instantaneous focal sampling and digestive tract filling (DTF) by the continuous focal method. Weight gain was recorded at the end of the experiment. We performed seven repetitions, with 28 individuals observed for 33 days for each treatment (490 h of observation). The three-times offering induced less latency for accessing the tray and for ingesting the feed as well as a higher DTF when compared with the other frequencies. Animals fed three and four times had similar weight gains, and were greater than those fed seven times. Our results indicate that a more spaced food offering stimulates the search for and ingestion of feed. As compared with other frequencies, the three-times-per-day option assumes lower labour costs and a more efficient use of the feed.     

Digestive enzyme activity and food ingesta in juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) as a function of body weight

A study was conducted to evaluate variations of digestive enzyme activities in Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) reared in commercial ponds under semi‐intensive conditions. Shrimp were collected at each body weight increase of 2 g. As the shrimp grew (2–12 g), significant increases in the activities of lipase and chymotrypsin were observed. The total protease activity decreased from 6 g onwards. Trypsin activity showed a peak at 6 g and amylase activity increased two‐fold after 2 g. Additionally, the stomach contents were analysed microscopically for shrimp between 2 and 10 g. Plant matter contributed above 30% of the total stomach content in 6‐, 8‐ and 10‐g shrimp. Detritus represented 58% and 62% of the total stomach content in 2‐ and 4‐g shrimp, respectively, decreasing to 33–43% at greater shrimp weights. Artificial feed showed a maximum contribution of 20% in 6‐g shrimp. The present results show changes in the enzyme activity after the shrimp reach 6 g in body weight, evidenced by a decrease in total protease and an increase in lipase and amylase activities. The amylase/protease ratio was 2.6 in 2‐g shrimp and increased steadily to 9.6 in 12‐g shrimp. These findings suggest an adaptation of the enzymatic activity to diets with lower protein content as body weight increases, and may be related to the variation of the different items found in the stomach.     

基于因子分析及多元线性回归的市售冻凡纳滨对虾品质评价

为探究市售冻凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)品质评价方法及造成品质劣化的关键因素,以上海市超市在售11种不同商品类型的冻凡纳滨对虾为研究对象,分析超市等级、冻藏时间、产品形式和摆放位置对其水分损失、质构以及色泽的影响.采用电子舌技术区分其滋味轮廓,并结合相关性分析、因子分析和多元线性回归分析,建立...     

Probiotic microorganisms and antiviral plants reduce mortality and prevalence of WSSV in shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured under laboratory conditions

The protective effect of a probiotic mixture (PM) and antiviral plants, against the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in Litopenaeus vannamei , was evaluated in three experiments. The PM was composed of four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and one yeast strain. The plant mixture was composed of Ocimum sanctum and commercial antiviral plants (VPH^®, HSV^®). Shrimp in each experiment (weighing 2.7±0.7, 11.5±1.3, 11.70±2.5 g) were cultured in 120-L plastic tanks and fed twice a day with commercial feed plus additives (plants or bacteria and yeast). Animals were monitored for the occurrence of WSSV by single-step and nested PCR. The PM and powdered antiviral plants added to the commercial feed showed an increase in survival and a decrease in the prevalence of WSSV in shrimp. The results showed that both the PM and the powdered antiviral plants can provide protection for shrimp against WSSV.