Research and training are helping Ugandan tilapia farmers improve breeding by combining modern genetic tools with traditional practices. Nile tilapia, an important source of high-quality fish protein and income in Uganda, is facing production challenges, particularly among smallholder farmers.These challenges include a lack of access to improved fish strains and limited knowledge of genetic breeding practices.Ongoing projects aim to enhance Nile tilapia breeding by combining modern genetic tools with traditional aquaculture practices. Useful traitsA team of Roslin researchers have collaborated with Uganda’s National Animal Genetics Resources Centre and Data Bank, OWANMWAN Aquaculture and colleagues at Makerere University, Uganda, to study the genetic makeup of farmed Nile tilapia and compare it with wild populations.The research revealed that Uganda’s wild Nile tilapia populations are highly diverse, with minimal inbreeding levels.This research also found a region of tilapia DNA which is associated with growth and disease resistance, which is not found in tilapia strains outside Uganda. These findings support the idea that local Ugandan strains have beneficial traits that could enable breeding of healthy and fast growing farmed fish in future programmes, to boost fish quality, increase yields and support local livelihoods,researchers say. Genetic innovationTraditionally, Ugandan farmers rely on informal knowledge-sharing and observation to breed fish, often exchanging fish from different farms to maintain genetic diversity.Now, with the introduction of anchor tags, which can easily be attached to the fish’s skin, farmers can track individual fish and identify key traits such as growth rate and harvest weight. This modern tool allows farmers to closely manage their stocks while incorporating local knowledge on which strains perform well in different conditions. Empowering farmersBeyond the scientific gains, these projects have real-world benefits for local communities. The research team is working closely with smallholder farmers, many of whom lack formal training of genetics, to share useful skills Several training workshops have been delivered to teach farmers how to use anchor tags and equip them with skills for better breeding and management. “We have worked with tilapia farmers to evaluate genetics of their fish," Ezra Byakora National Animal Genetic Resources Centre & Data Bank “These workshops aim to empower farmers to produce healthier, faster-growing fish, leading to better yields and higher incomes.”“The training workshops have been very helpful. We are looking forward to kickstarting genetic improvements in our farms." Mubiru Yasin Farmer at Mukoke Fish Farm, Uganda In the long run, the research team hopes that improved fish strains will help meet Uganda's growing demand for high-quality protein, supporting economic stability for many Ugandan families.These ongoing projects are funded by the UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) GCRF AgriFood Africa Innovation Awards. “We’re encouraging farmers to familiarise themselves with the use cost-effective modern tools to help track and evaluate their breeding fish stocks more effectively, reducing issues such as inbreeding and improving productivity in a way that complements their traditional practice.” Dr Robert Mukiibi The Roslin Institute ** The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. ** Related linksResearch publicationEnhancing tilapia breeding through integration of modern tools (Ongoing project)Genomics for indigenous farmed tilapia (Ongoing project) Tags Roslin Publication date 05 Nov, 2024
