Genetic Effects and Estimates for the Heritability of Size in Fingerling Hybrid Striped Bass Reared Indoors

Abstract

Hybrid striped bass fingerlings were grown in replicated indoor tanks for 42 days to evaluate progeny performance of two growth-related traits. Analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences in length and weight of fingerlings among paternal and maternal half-sib families and high estimates of heritability for dams and sires. Based on significant sire and dam effects and high heritabilities, a substantial portion of the selection differential could be expected to be gained in offspring from selected pure-line parents. As demonstrated by these results, a breeding program could be used to select parental lines that produce faster growing hybrid offspring.

Keywords:

• Hybrid striped bass
• Morone
• fingerling growth
• genetic improvement

Acknowledgments

This article not subject to U.S. Copyright law.

We thank Bobby Kelly, Troy Bader, and Nick Barkowski for their help throughout the study, and Billy Shelton, Robert Ideker, and Wayne Moring for construction of rearing systems.

Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.