Recent approaches of fish breeding / Abordagens recentes do melhoramento genético de peixes

Abstract

This review aims at addressing the main issues related to genetic improvement applied to fish species with zootechnical potential, such as selection, genetic parameters and use of biotechnology as well as address the importance of this area of study for the expansion of aquaculture and its development trend. Fish breeding is one of the most important areas of study for fish production development. Important techniques are applied in order to advance genetic progress in fish breeding (e.g., individual selection, genetic parameters estimation and the use of biotechnology). Traditional breeding in fish farming has been conducted mainly through biometric analysis, which helps in choosing selection criteria and in the assessment of genetic parameters such as heritability and correlations between interesting traits. The use of biotechnology in fish breeding has been successful; it is an important strategy that allows breeding results to be achieved faster, although at a greater cost than traditional breeding. Fish breeding in Brazil is currently in its initial stages; however, it is a field with great growth expectations, and there is still significant research to be conducted in this area.