Nile tilapia has become the species of choice for global commercial aquaculture after years of selective breeding.
Mention the words Nile tilapia and most warm-water aquaculturalists get a misty-eyed and wistful look. This is because the species Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) has become the species of choice for global commercial aquaculture. In much the same way we farm chickens, which have been genetically developed to produce higher yields of eggs and meat, current Nile tilapia have been genetically improved to produce more over a shorter period of time.
GENETIC IMPROVEMENT
Nile tilapia was first farmed around 1980, although there is evidence that ancient Egyptians kept them in ponds next to the Nile 3 000 years ago. During the Second World War, Oreochromis mossambicus was dispersed throughout Southeast Asia.
Subsequent farming attempts revealed the limitations of early maturity, slow growth and poor body shape in this species. As such, an alternative was sought.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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