| Title: |
Selective Breeding for Genetic Improvement of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) in Uganda: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. |
| Authors: |
Abaho, Ivan1 (AUTHOR) ivan.abaho@naro.go.ug, Kwikiriza, Gerald2,3,4 (AUTHOR) faith.atukwatse@mak.ac.ug, Atukwatse, Faith3 (AUTHOR), Izaara, Andrew A.5 (AUTHOR) andrew.arinaitwe@naro.go.ug, Ekwangu, Joseph1 (AUTHOR) sylvester.baguma@naro.go.ug, Baguma, Sylvester D.1 (AUTHOR), Kubiriba, Jerome4 (AUTHOR), Kasozi, Nasser6 (AUTHOR) nasser.kasozi@naro.go.ug |
| Source: |
Animals (2076-2615). Jan2025, Vol. 15 Issue 2, p142. 25p. |
| Subject Terms: |
*NILE tilapia, *SUSTAINABLE aquaculture, *FISH breeding, *AGRICULTURE, *PAYBACK periods |
| Abstract: |
Simple Summary: Aquaculture production in Uganda is dominated by Nile tilapia. With the recent growth of commercial cage aquaculture, Nile tilapia currently contributes up to 70% of the total farmed fish in Uganda. It is, therefore, a major source of animal protein and livelihood for at least 30% of the population. Although Nile tilapia is endemic to Uganda, it attains slower growth rates than the improved strains in other countries. The slow growth rate results in longer feeding periods, higher feed conversion ratios (FCRs), slow turnover, longer payback periods, and a depressed rate of return. Due to poor growth rates, a Ugandan farmer can only achieve one production cycle of 9 and 11 months in cages and ponds, respectively, compared to two cycles with the improved tilapia strains. This increases the cost of production, reduces profitability, and renders Ugandan tilapia farming less competitive compared with other producing countries using improved strains. As such, there is a need to establish a systematic selective breeding program focusing on strain improvement to guarantee the supply of fast-growing quality seed. This will contribute to the sustainable growth of Nile tilapia aquaculture in Uganda. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture continues to significantly contribute to the growth of the aquaculture sector in Uganda. However, its production is beset by erratic and unreliable seed supply. Also, most hatcheries practice inbreeding of broodstock, resulting in inferior seed characterized by low growth rates. As such, a selective breeding program is necessary to readily avail fast-growing seed that respond to farmers' needs. The present review consolidates available information on developing a Nile tilapia breeding program in Uganda. The article discusses the significance of genetic improvement, drawing lessons from successful Nile tilapia selective breeding programs in other countries. From a literature review, no systematic Nile tilapia selective breeding program was traceable in Uganda. Scanty information on the selective breeding efforts of the species was available, with little evidence of selection for improved performance. Overall, the national capacity for aquaculture research and development, including fish breeding and strain improvement, was weak and poorly funded. The review recommends purposive support for developing a systematic strain improvement breeding program, which will be a source of improved broodstock and seed for hatcheries and farmers, respectively. The program would guide the formulation of standard operating procedures for quality seed production towards ensuring sustainable aquaculture growth in Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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