New study evaluates fish purity

An unprecedented study conducted by Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology determined the parameters for genetically differentiating hybrid fish, those resulting from crossbreeding, from pure/native fish. The research concluded that at least seven molecular markers are needed to differentiate one from the other.

The work is considered fundamental for the fish farming chain. Based on the results, the live fry producers have guidelines to strengthen the chain, being able to use pedigree matrices in the formation of the flocks, based on robust tests, adding value to the market.

According to researcher Alexandre Caetano, several hybrids generated from the crossing between two distinct native species are fertile and, therefore, can be reproduced in fish farms and potentially in the environment, in cases of escapes, causing crosses between themselves and with pure breeders. Distinguishing the purity of the animals is fundamental for the management of the offspring's quality performance. The objective is to prevent the sector from affecting sustainability, as well as to monitor the wild populations of the respective species used in the production system.

Until now, due to the lack of identification and monitoring of the pedigree in the plains, these two possibilities were identified as a major problem. Therefore, the newly developed method should reduce the risk of unwanted crossings.

The study, developed by researchers Alexandre Rodrigues Caetano and Joseane Padilha da Silva, within the Embrapa Animal Genomic Network project, was published in Genetics and Molecular Biology, one of the main scientific journals in the area.