SciFish Animalia’s founders are the main authors of a new study published in Marine Biotechnology (Springer), building on research conducted during their time at Benchmark Genetics Norway.
Sex determination in Atlantic salmon is controlled by a master gene known as sdY, located on the Y chromosome. However, researchers have long observed discrepancies where some males appear to lack the sdY locus and some females carry it, creating challenges for accurate sex identification in breeding programs.
This study confirms the existence of an autosomal, non-functional copy of sdY in the SalmoBreed strain of Atlantic salmon. Using a genotyping platform, the team developed a novel high-throughput approach capable of screening large numbers of individuals efficiently, shedding new light on why these sex-genotype discordances occur.
The findings have practical implications for salmon breeding programs, where accurate sex identification is important for managing broodstock, controlling reproduction, and improving overall breeding efficiency.
Read the full article here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10126-023-10217-4