2008/704 Review of available software tools that can be used to support selective breeding programs in the Seafood CRC

By Nick Robinson

The Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Center is developing a Theme Business Plan to support and coordinate a cooperative approach to aquaculture genetics research in the CRC. One of the needs identified in the development of this plan is the provision of tools and technologies to facilitate the planning and implementation of selective breeding programs. This is already a target for the oyster industry and will develop as an important need for a range of other aquaculture production sectors. Such tools will be important in order to “respond to, take advantage and meet the increased demand for seafood”. A common requirement for selective breeding programs is good software management tools. These tools are essential in order to keep track of individuals and important information relating to them (pedigree, treatment, trait data, marker information, estimated breeding values etc) and to streamline genetic analysis and decision making.