Brazilian Tilapia Production Poised for Revolution with Breakthrough Genetic Technology

Editor/Mohamed Shihab

New international genetic lines have demonstrated a 27% higher growth rate and a shortened cultivation cycle, promising to boost Brazil's competitiveness in the global market.TOLEDO, PARANÁ — The Brazilian tilapia market is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by the arrival of a new, cutting-edge genetic line from an international company. Recent research presented at the 4th Western Paraná Fish Farming Symposium (Simpop) shows that this new material, referred to as Genetics 1, significantly outperforms national strains in growth, feed efficiency, and fillet yield, promising a more competitive and sustainable future for the industry.

The study, led by veterinarian Rodrigo Zanolo in Palotina, Paraná, compared Genetics 1 with a national lineage over a period of one year. The results were impressive, with Genetics 1 reaching an average weight of 1.141 kg in just 212 days, a 27% faster growth rate than its national counterpart, which reached 897 grams in the same timeframe.According to the research, the new genetics also demonstrated remarkable resilience, showing a 32% higher average daily weight gain even during the colder winter months. Furthermore, the production cycle to reach the target weight was shortened by an impressive 24 to 32 days, and the fish showed superior feed conversion (FCR 1.35 vs. 1.37). At the processing plant, the new line yielded 2% more raw fillet and 1% more clean fillet.

As the world's fourth-largest producer of tilapia, Brazil's adoption of this technology is a major development. The new genetic material, the first imported in nearly 20 years, is expected to increase productivity and reduce the consumption of water and other inputs, addressing key sustainability concerns.

Zanolo emphasized that genetics are not a silver bullet. "The producer must provide the conditions for the animal to express its full potential," he said, highlighting the importance of proper management, adequate density, and attention to animal welfare. The arrival of Genetics 1 and its proven performance mark a significant moment for the Brazilian aquaculture sector, paving the way for a more efficient and profitable future.

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