Progress 09/15/04 to 09/14/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: For the genetic improvement program of yellow perch, eight strains of yellow perch were obtained from 8 states and three studies on stock evaluations were completed. 2,000 genetically superior broodfish were selected as the base breeding population for the long-term selective breeding program. Two improved lines of perch have been produced and distributed to farmers and a research facility for commercial-scale tests, and 42 microsatellite markers were developed under this grant. Approximately 600 sex-reversed XY-female bluegill were generated and reared to maturity. By crossing them with regular males, all male progeny have been produced for developing all male broodstock. A practical strategy for establishing mostly-male bluegill groups that can gain 61.0 percent more weight than the mixed-sex control was published in North American Journal of Aquaculture. Gene products underlying the mechanisms of muscle growth in yellow perch were identified and reported. The Bowling Green Aquaculture Center (BGAC) installed three commercial-scale recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to compare performance and economic viability of these systems. A study was completed with largemouth bass and yellow perch raised in tandem (duoculture) in these systems. On-farm research comparing culture of prawns and golden shiners produced over 800 pounds of golden shiners for the bait market, and the farmer/cooperator learned new low-cost fertilization techniques that will be employed on his farm. Events: The Ohio Center for Aquacultural Research and Development (OCARD) facility and the BGAC both serve as demonstration facilities where the public can come and see RAS and learn about how they operate and the economic viability of such systems. Two speakers from OCARD participated in Purdue University IP-video conference entitled Conversion of Old Barns into Aquaculture Production Facilities. A three-hour recirculation workshop was conducted at the Ohio Aquaculture Association annual meeting. The BGAC has hosted over 150 visitors to the site in the last year. Three workshops on baitfish and RAS have been conducted by BGAC staff in the past year, reaching over 60 people. BGAC research staff also assisted several prawn farmers with an advanced outreach training program, to test the effectiveness of advanced technical outreach on the success of production. Services: Telephone and email consulting are available year round for those wishing to explore the concept of converting barns to aquaculture use and other issues with aquaculture. Approximately 30 people receive annual support and on-going consulting from the BGAC research staff in developing their aquaculture businesses. Products: Approximately 1,500 genetically improved yellow perch broodfish have been created. A linkage map was constructed for bluegill. Parentage analysis techniques using six molecular markers in yellow perch have been developed. A webpage with topical information and streaming videos of interviews with farmers who have converted barns into aquaculture facilities has been produced and is available on the OCARD website. The video is divided into six chapters. PARTICIPANTS: J. S. Ottobre - Project Director: responsible for project administration, coordination and consultation; participation in genetically male bluegill research. G. Wallat - Co-Project Director: Coordinating project, designing and conducting research on baitfish culture and RAS; Participating in other research H. P. Wang - Co-Project Director: Coordinating project, designing and conducting research on selective breeding of yellow perch, genetically male bluegill populations; Participating in other research L. Tiu - Co-Project Director: Coordinating project, designing and conduct RAS-related research; Participating in other research M. Wick - Co-Project Director: Designing and conducting research on identification of genes underlying the mechanisms of muscle growth in yellow perch B. Brown VCU) - Subcontractor: Designing and conducting research on integrated genetic improvement of yellow perch broodstock, responsible for genotyping parental groups using existing polymorphic loci, and development of additional microsatellites for QTLs. D. Stein - Co-Project Director: Designing and conducting RAS-related research. J. Reddish - Research Associate: Designing and conducting research on identification of genes underlying the mechanisms of muscle growth in yellow perch. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences are aquacultural producers, scientists, and students. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
By crossing selected yellow perch broodfish, five improved lines were achieved. The on-station and on-farm tests shows that two of the improved lines of fish grew 28-54 percent faster than controls, respectively. About 59,000 improved fingerlings and fry were distributed to farmers for testing. The outcomes of the yellow perch improvement program are expected to increase production and market size of yellow perch by 35-50 percent. Approximately 600 XY-female bluegill have been reared to maturity and have been used for producing YY-males. All male progeny produced would have the potential to grow 30-40 percent faster than a typical mixed population. Using yellow perch, we developed a novel high throughput methodology to identify gene products associated with biological variables including skeletal muscle growth. The Bowling Green aquaculture program is having substantial effects on aquaculture operations in northwest and central lake counties in Ohio by increasing the technical assistance capability and research services of Ohio State University in these counties. The program has drawn many stakeholders interested in aquaculture to visit the facility, and has generated positive publicity for the expansion and development of Ohio aquaculture. Several stakeholders have established working relationships with our on-staff research associate at Bowling Green. Results from the RAS comparisons, and baitfish research and demonstration will lead to better management decisions on which systems to use in private RAS operations. The streaming videos obtained from our outreach objective enable producers to gain knowledge as evidenced by the results of an evaluation with comments from producers attending events.
Publications
- Wang, H.P. G.K. Wallat, R. Hayward, P. O Bryant, D. Rapp, and L.G. Tiu. 2008. Establishment of mostly-male groups of bluegill by size-selection and evaluation of their growth performance. North American Journal of Aquaculture (in press). Tiu, L.G. 2006. From the farmers view: Experiences of farmers converting barns to recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquaculture America 2006, Abstract.
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: The genetic improvement program of yellow perch and bluegill continues to make good progress toward the objectives of this grant. Approximately 700 best fish were selected to be broodfish of the next generation. Combined genetic relatedness analysis of selected fish was completed and a large color-coded chart of relatedness was constructed in 2007. An experiment to produce YY-bluegill by crossing XY-females with regular males is underway. A study on the effect of estradiol on survival, growth performance, sex reversal and gonadal structure of bluegill has been completed. We have been mentoring an undergraduate student whose research is facilitating the purification of myosin from fish. The Bowling Green Aquaculture Center (BGAC) conducted an on-farm experiment with a private producer to rear freshwater prawns and golden shiners in duo-culture in comparison with shiner mono-culture. The BGAC is running an experiment on 3 different commercial recirculating
aquaculture systems (RAS) and is tracking both production data of largemouth bass and yellow perch in duo-culture, and costs of production data to determine which system(s) would be economical for Ohio farmers. The BGAC has tested several techniques to spawn and rear a new baitfish species, the spotfin shiner, in all indoor systems. Events: The Ohio Center for Aquacultural Research and Development (OCARD) facility and the BGAC both serve as demonstration facilities where the public can come and see RAS and learn about how they operate and the economic viability of such systems. Two speakers from OCARD participated in Purdue University IP-video conference entitled Conversion of Old Barns into Aquaculture Production Facilities. A three-hour recirculation workshop was conducted at the Ohio Aquaculture Association annual meeting. The BGAC has hosted over 150 visitors to the site in the last year. Three workshops on baitfish and RAS have been conducted by BGAC staff in the past year,
reaching over 60 people. BGAC research staff also assisted several prawn farmers with an advanced outreach training program, to test the effectiveness of advanced technical outreach on the success of production. Services: Telephone and email consulting are available year round for those wishing to explore the concept of converting barns for aquaculture use and other issues with aquaculture. Approximately 20 people have received support and on-going consulting from the BGAC research staff in developing their aquaculture businesses. Products: A linkage map of bluegill was constructed and a manuscript on this is in review. New fundamental knowledge about mechanisms of muscle growth in yellow perch has been developed. This has resulted in new information about the proteome in yellow perch muscle. An electronic fact sheet has been developed with links to important information to those wishing to research converting old barns to aquaculture facilities and is available upon request.
PARTICIPANTS: J.S. Ottobre, Project Director: responsible for project administration, coordination and consultation; participation in genetically male bluegill research. G. Wallat, Co-Project Director: Coordinating project, designing and conducting research on baitfish culture and RAS; Participating in other research. H.P. Wang, Co-Project Director: Coordinating project, designing and conducting research on selective breeding of yellow perch, genetically male bluegill populations; Participating in other research. L. Tiu, Co-Project Director: Coordinating project, designing and conduct RAS-related research; Participating in other research. M. Wick, Co-Project Director: Designing and conducting research on identification of genes underlying the mechanisms of muscle growth in yellow perch. B. Brown (Virginia Commonwealth University), Subcontractor: Designing and conducting research on integrated genetic improvement of yellow perch broodstock, responsible for genotyping parental groups
using existing polymorphic loci, and development of additional microsatellites for QTLs D. Stein, Co-Project Director: Designing and conducting RAS-related research. J. Reddish, Research Associate: Designing and conducting research on identification of genes underlying the mechanisms of muscle growth in yellow perch.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences are aquacultural producers, scientists, and students.
Impacts
By crossing selected yellow perch broodfish, five improved lines were achieved. The data from the large tank experiment that has been run for 17 months shows that two of the improved lines of fish grew 54% and 28% faster than controls, respectively. Parentage analysis techniques using six molecular markers in yellow perch have been developed and family identification for perch reared in communal ponds was completed. About 59,000 improved fingerlings and fry were distributed to farmers for testing. Approximately 600 XY-females have been reared to maturity and will be used for producing YY-males. We developed a change in knowledge for scientists, aquaculturists, and students about the potential cadre of proteins associated with muscle growth. This is the result of a combination of biochemistry, image analysis, novel statistical analyses, and bioinformatics. Scientists gain new knowledge and aquaculturists may be able to apply the knowledge to increase the value of the
fish they produce. On-farm research produced over 800 pounds of golden shiners for the bait market, and the farmer/cooperator learned new low-cost fertilization techniques that will be employed on his farm. We have noted distinct differences in performance and ease of operation of the different RAS, with one system clearly outperforming the other two systems. Knowledge gained on the performance capabilities of these systems will be shared with Ohio aquaculturists so that they can make better decisions on the type of RAS to use in their operations. Over 100 people obtained research-based information regarding using recirculating systems for aquaculture enabling them to make more informed decisions.
Publications
- Reddish, J.M., Green-Church, K.B., Nichols, A.D., St-Pierre, N., and Wick, M. 2007. Proteomic analysis of whole muscle fingerprints from yellow perch, Perca flavescens, and identification of proteins associated with body weight and length. Abstract # 22732, Proceedings of the 2007 Joint ADSA-PSA-AMPA-ASAS Meeting, July 8-12, 2007, San Antonio, Texas.
- Brown, B., Wang, H.P., Li, L., Chandler, G., and Wallat, G.K. 2007. Yellow perch strain evaluation I. Genetic variance of six broodstock populations. Aquaculture 271:142-151.
- Wang , W.J., Wang, H.P., Li, L., Wallat, G.K., Tiu, L.G., Yao, H., and Wang, Q.Y. 2007. Genetic linkage mapping and sex-specific marker locating of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) using AFLP markers. Aquaculture (in review).
- Reddish, J., St-Pierre, N., Nichols, A., Green-Church, K., and Wick, M. 2008. Proteomic analysis of proteins associated with body mass and length in yellow perch, Perca flavescens. Proteomics (Pending).
|
Progress 09/15/05 to 09/14/06
Outputs
For O'GIFT (Ohio Genetic Improvement of Farmed-fish Traits) program with yellow perch and bluegill, two new experiments have been completed to evaluate growth and feed conversion ratio of different new strains at different temperatures for a selective breeding program. Based on the growth and genetic data from the new and previous experiments on stock evaluation, NC and WI strains are identified as the best. For selective breeding, two genetic lines of improved perch have been achieved and were distributed to farmers and research facilities for tests. Preliminary data shows the genetically improved lines grow significantly faster than unimproved groups. A new color-coded chart of genetic relatedness was developed for selecting the least related individuals that had the preferred phenotypes. For bluegill sunfish, two new batches of fry were produced by using out of season spawning techniques. Reversed XY-females have continuously been rearing to maturity for the next
step of selection. Two out of eight steps for creating YY-male bluegill broodstock have been completed. We improved our original proteomic fingerprinting methodology, thus increasing the number of proteins identified associated with body weight and length in yellow perch. Preliminary data indicate that we can identify fast muscle proteins associated with differential growth in yellow perch from the different geographical regions reflected in the brood stock established at Piketon. For improvement of temperate climate culture techniques for golden shiners and development of culture techniques for alternative bait species, two private producers have been identified to participate in on-farm research trials, and funding from outside sources is being arranged to build nine 0.5 acre culture research ponds. For comparison of low-cost recirculating water systems for intensive aquaculture, tank system installations have been completed, and we have stocked tanks with largemouth bass
fingerlings in summer 2006 and will complete the experiment by Fall of 2007. Bowling Green Northwest Ohio Aquaculture Center has been established and now is fully operational. We set out to evaluate the attributes, continuing education, and training needs of farmers converting agriculture buildings to fish farms. A two-stage data gathering process was used to collect data. A focus group was established with key informers to explore factors affecting the success and decision making process of current fish farmers. This session was videotaped. Second stage interviews at the informer's fish farms were held and videotaped as well. The first stage videotape is currently being analyzed by researchers for patterns in the data reflecting the opinions of farmers. The second stage video has been edited and will be disseminated to the public on a DVD and posted on the website by January 1, 2007.
Impacts
The results from strain evaluation and year 1 selective breeding will allow us to establish the foundation for a marker-assisted breeding program, which will be expected to improve growth rate by 15-20% per generation. The new information from muscle studies will be useful in identifying gene products unique to enhanced muscle growth and development and will allow for producers to develop useful breeding strategies for the production of yellow perch. The Bowling Green aquaculture program is having substantial effects on aquaculture operations in northwest and central lake counties in Ohio. The program has drawn many stakeholders interested in aquaculture to visit the facility, and has generated positive publicity for the expansion and development of Ohio aquaculture. Several stakeholders have established working relationships with our on-staff research associate at Bowling Green.
Publications
- Sawdy, J.C. 2004. Analysis of muscle protein functionality traits by one-dimensional proteomic fingerprinting. M.S. Thesis. The Ohio State University.
- Wang, H. P, G. K. Wallat, L. G. Tiu, J. D. Rapp, P. O'Bryant and C. Leighfield. 2006. Stock Evaluation of Yellow Perch for Genetic Improvement. Aquaculture America 2006, Abstract.
- Wang, H. P, G. K. Wallat, L. G. Tiu, J. D. Rapp, P. O'Bryant and C. Leighfield. 2006. Development of genetically male and mostly-male bluegill populations. Aquaculture America 2006, Abstract.
- Wang, H. P, G. K. Wallat, L. G. Tiu, J. D. Rapp, P. O'Bryant , and C. Leighfield. 2006. Broodstock improvement of yellow perch. Aquaculture America 2006, Abstract.
- Tiu, L.G. 2006. From the farmers view: Experiences of farmers converting barns to recirculating aquaculture systems. Aquaculture America 2006, Abstract.
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
For breeding program of yellow perch and bluegill, two new experiments are being conducted to evaluate growth and feed conversion ratio of different new strains at different temperatures for a selective breeding program. The preliminary data indicate that the North Carolina and Wisconsin strains are performing better than the others. 74 families from crosses are being reared communally in ponds to select the best crosses. The extent of relatedness for every pair of individuals of broodfish was calculated. Color-coded charts were developed for selecting the least related individuals that had the preferred phenotypes. We have improved on the original proteomic fingerprinting methodology. Employing Galaxy Analyses we have increased the number of proteins identified associated with muscle growth in yellow perch. Preliminary data indicate that we can identify muscle proteins associated with differential growth in yellow perch from the different geographical regions
reflected in the brood stock established at Piketon. All female population of bluegill has been obtained by sex-reversal experiment. Reversed XY-females are been rearing to maturity for next step of selection. Two out of eight steps for creating YY-male bluegill broodstock have been finished. To better achieve the long-term objectives of breeding program, an aquaculture genetics laboratory with advanced equipment has been established at Piketon. Bowling Green Northwest Ohio Aquaculture program is being established and a full time research associate (Mr. Shawn McWhorter) was hired to manage the facility and research objectives. Installation of tank systems is nearing completion. A proposal to construct 9 half-acre ponds has been made by the owner of the property. A private farm cooperator has been identified for development of culture techniques for the alternative bait species, spotfin shiner and hornyhead chub. Both bluegill fingerlings and yellow perch fingerlings have been produced
for comparison of low-cost recirculating water systems for intensive aquaculture. For evaluation of the attributes, continuing education, and training needs of farmers converting agriculture buildings to fish farms, a focus group was conducted with key informants to explore factors affecting the success and decision making process of current fish farmers. This session was videotaped. Second stage interviews at the fish farms of the informants were held and videotaped as well. The videotape is currently being analyzed by researchers for patterns in the data reflecting the opinions of farmers. Results from this research will be presented at Aquaculture America meeting in February 2006.
Impacts
We are establishing a marker-assisted breeding program in yellow perch, which should improve growth rate by 15-20% per generation. The new information from muscle studies will be useful in identifying gene products unique to enhanced muscle growth and development and will allow for producers to develop useful breeding strategies for the production of yellow perch. The Bowling Green program will have substantial effects on aquaculture operations in northwest and central lake counties in Ohio.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Two experiments are being conducted to evaluate growth and feed conversion ratio of different strains of yellow perch at different temperatures for a selective breeding program. The preliminary data indicate that the North Carolina strain is performing better than the others. Thirty-six families from crosses are being reared communally in ponds to evaluate growth performance and age at maturity of different crosses. In studies of yellow perch muscle proteins, we performed electrophoretic, image, and statistical analysis of proteins from yellow perch with different lengths and body widths. Stepwise, linear regression analyses identified five muscle proteins associated with body weight and nine muscle proteins associated with body length. Furthermore, of these proteins identified, three proteins were commonly associated with both body weight and length. These proteins are currently undergoing primary sequence analysis for protein characterization. These data have been
presented to the annual meeting of Ohio Aquaculture Association and the World Aquaculture Society, New Orleans, Jan 20. These data are being prepared for submission to peer reviewed journals by the end of January 2005. This information will be useful in identifying gene products unique to enhanced muscle growth and development and will allow for producers to develop useful breeding strategies for the production of yellow perch. It is anticipated that the technology developed will present a road map for the successful completion of fish muscle proteomic investigations. In conjunction with our collaborators at Washington State University, muscle satellite cells from yellow perch have been isolated and preserved. This is the first report of the establishment of isolated muscle satellite cells from yellow perch. Bowling Green Northwest Ohio Aquaculture program is being established. Agreements have been reached with the Agricultural Business Incubator (Bowling Green) to house an
aquaculture facility, and research and extension team is being established there. This program is focused on applied research and extension in baitfish, largemouth bass, and recirculating aquaculture systems.
Impacts
The results from strain evaluation and year 1 selective breeding will allow us to establish the foundation for a marker-assisted breeding program, which will be expected to improve growth rate by 15-20% per generation. The new information from muscle studies will be useful in identifying gene products unique to enhanced muscle growth and development and will allow for producers to develop useful breeding strategies for the production of yellow perch. The Bowling Green program will have substantial effects on aquaculture operations on northwest and central lake counties in Ohio.
Publications
- John M. Reddish, Joseph C. Sawdy, Geoff Wallat, Normand R. St-Pierre, and Macdonald Wick. 2005. Further characterization of whole muscle 1-D fingerprints of yellow perch Perca flavescens associated with body weight and length. Aquaculture America 2005, Abstract 445.
|
|