The USDA-ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit operates a breeding program to improve economically important traits in catfish and then release genetically improved fish to U.S. catfish farmers. The breeding program and results are reviewed.
In 2006 channel catfish were collected from 12 commercial catfish farms as spawns, grown to maturity and allowed to mate at random for 1 year to maximize genetic variation in the population. At that point selection for increased growth rate and carcass yield was initiated using a BLUP based animal model approach. Each year 120 to 160 full-sib families, and 40 to 60 fish per family are evaluated. At harvest, weight and sex are measured for all fish, and a portion of fish from each family are slaughtered and measured for carcass yield. Heritabilities and breeding values are estimated, and the next generation of broodfish are selected on a selection index for increased breeding values for both traits. In 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2021 a portion of the population was measure for SNP genotypes on a 50 KB SNP chip, and genomic selection was implemented. The selected population is referred to as the Delta Select strain channel catfish and a randomly mated population from the same base was maintained.
Currently 65,949 animals and17,191 animals have been measured for harvest weight and carcass yield. Both traits have increased at rates suggested by genetic parameters. Genomic selection has improved selection efficiency compared to BLUP models. The selected population has superior growth and carcass yield when compared to the control line or commercial populations. Hybrid catfish produced with Delta Select females have improved growth and carcass yield. Fish were released to farmers in 2020, 2024, and 2025 and response has been favorable. FCR, disease resistance, and fillet quality are currently being evaluated for improvement.