Quantitative genetic architecture of growth traits across sequential rearing phases in tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes)

Li, Y., Fraslin, C., Wu, A., Lyu, H., Zhang, H., Robledo, D., Mukiibi, R., Li, W. and Chen, S. (2026) Quantitative genetic architecture of growth traits across sequential rearing phases in tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes). Aquaculture, 621. ISSN 00448486

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Abstract

Growth performance is a key economic trait in tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) aquaculture, yet the quantitative genetic basis of growth-related traits across the commercial production cycle remains poorly understood. In this study, 813 individuals were phenotyped for body weight at four time points spanning three sequential rearing phases, from which 16 growth-related traits were derived. Following quality control, 65,243 high-quality SNPs were retained for genomic analyses. Heritability estimates varied considerably among traits and generally increased across the production cycle, reaching 0.55 for final body weight and 0.49 for average daily gain (ADG), indicating that additive genetic effects became more evident at later rearing phases. In contrast, specific growth rate (SGR) and daily growth coefficient (DGC) showed lower and more variable heritability estimates, suggesting greater sensitivity to non-genetic influences. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among traits were generally positive, especially among body weights recorded at successive time points and between body weight and ADG, whereas correlations involving SGR and DGC were more variable and occasionally negative. Genetic correlations for growth traits across sequential rearing phases ranged from moderate to low, indicating that the genetic relationships of growth performance may change across the production cycle. These results suggest that body weight and ADG are promising targets for genetic improvement and provide practical guidance for trait prioritization and the optimal stage for selection in tiger pufferfish breeding programs.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Full text not available from this repository
Keywords:	Fugu, Growth trait, Heritability, Genetic correlation, Selective breeding
Divisions:	Departments > Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare (from 1.09.21) Research Centres > Animal Science Research Centre > Pig, Poultry and Aquatic Animals Group
Depositing User:	Miss Anna Cope
Date Deposited:	02 Jun 2026 14:39
Last Modified:	02 Jun 2026 14:52
URI:	https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18381

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