“Our breeding programmes continue to accelerate the adoption of high-resolution data sources for selection of top broodstock genetics. Genomic selection, using tens of thousands of DNA markers, is now universally implemented across all our breeding programmes for greater breeding value accuracy. We have developed a unified analysis pipeline that can ingest and process data from all breeding programmes in a standardised, and largely hands-off manner. This leads to greater reliability and redundancy in all genetic evaluations.”
Global implementation of genomic selection
Genomic selection is a highly accurate means of predicting breeding values in individuals using sets of genome-wide DNA markers. Widely used in animal and plant breeding, Mowi began developing genomic resources for implementing genomic selection in our breeding populations from around 2014 and in 2023, we successfully implemented genomic selection in all our breeding programmes globally for the first time. Studies have show that this method improves accuracy of breeding values significantly over traditional methods, and combined with a standardised pipeline for genetic evaluations developed by the Mowi Genetics team, Mowi’s Breeding programmes are now able to more effectively use the available genetic variation in our strains to increase the rate of genetic progress for important production, health and quality traits.
Cryopreservation for biosecurity and top genetics
Cryopreservation of milt is an important tool for many animal breeding industries, but has yet to be implemented in a very large scale in Mowi’s breeding programmes. Mowi has tested and validated the use of cryopreservation as an effective and efficient means of preserving important genetic resources, and optimising egg production through ensuring secure supply of high quality all times of the year. As Mowi further develops egg production infrastructure to meet year-round delivery requirements for our farming units, the use of cryopreserved milt will become more important.
Data-driven
Further advancing our data-driven approach, Mowi has introduced automated data collection in broodstock grading at sea for the first time. This marks a significant step toward future autonomous sorting and data-driven selection of superior broodstock for egg production. In Norway, genetic improvements in Cardiomyopathy Syndrome (CMS) resistance have led to a reduction in mortality rates in 2024, a trend expected to continue as resistance levels increase. Selection for improved growth at sea has also contributed to record-high harvest volumes and improved feed conversion efficiency, with further R&D focused on maximizing these gains.
