Researchers Use Salmon DNA to Develop Cold-Tolerant Tilapia

Researchers from Fayoum University and Alexandria University in Egypt developed a cold-tolerant Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by incorporating a fragmented pure DNA extracted from Atlantic salmon. The study highlights the potential of genetic modification to improve the productivity of tilapia, particularly in colder regions.

Although Nile tilapia can survive a wide range of temperatures, cold stress negatively impacts their growth, reproduction, and survival rates. This is a growing concern in subtropical and temperate aquaculture zones facing seasonal temperature drops. To address this, the researchers aimed to develop a solution that could enhance cold tolerance without solely relying on traditional breeding programs.

In this study, the researchers successfully developed a transgenic tilapia with improved growth rate, protein efficiency, feed conversion, and survival at low temperatures. Analyses confirmed genetic differences between the modified and control fish, validating the successful integration of genes from Atlantic Salmon. The results present a more efficient and practical approach for enhancing cold tolerance and productivity in commercially important fish species.

For more information, read the study from the Mediterranean Aquaculture Journal.