Crop Biotech Update

Better Catfish with More Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Faster Growth

August 16, 2023

A study published in Transgenic Research reports a new method of devoping channel catfish with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid and enhanced growth.

Channel catfish are a popular fish in aquaculture, but they have limited ability to synthesize omega-3 fatty acids. This is a problem because omega-3 fatty acids are important for human health. To address this concern, the researchers from Auburn University in the US inserted a gene from salmon into the catfish genome. This gene codes for an enzyme that helps to produce omega-3 fatty acids. They also used gene editing to knockout another gene that is involved in growth. Knocking out the gene makes the catfish grow faster.

The results of the study showed that the genetically modified catfish had 41.8% more omega-3 fatty acids than the control group. The catfish also grew 45.1% faster. The findings suggest that genetically modified catfish could be a more nutritious and sustainable food source.

Read more in Transgenic Research.


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