Genetic effects and growth performance in pure and hybrid strains of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) (Order: Salmoniformes, Family: Salmonidae)

Progeny from a cross of two strains of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), displayed about 7% heterosis in their growth rate. Variance component analysis showed that dams accounted for 20.3% to 65.8% variability in growth while sires accounted for none. Maternal effects were significant, but showed a diminishing trend over the study period. Additive genetic effects were nonsignificant. The Mount Lassen strain was better in maternal ability which indicated that source of dam was important. Interactions between sires and dams were significant with source of dam being important. Heritability for weight based on half-sib sire component of variance was estimated at 0.020 ± 0.001 and 0.269 ± 0.016 based on the dam component. Heritability for growth rate was 0.27 ± 0.04 based on the sire component and 0.88 ± 0.35 based on the dam component. Fulton's condition factor was lower in the hybrids. Egg size was correlated with fish size in the early growth phase. It was concluded that crossbreeding of rainbow trout strains could be advantageous owing to the display of hybrid vigour in the progeny.