Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) Broodstock Development Programme in Malaysia: Status, Challenges and Prospects for Future Development

The red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) and the black tilapia, including the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) (Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)) collectively contributed to about 30.7 % of the total freshwater aquaculture production in Malaysia in 2018. The red hybrid tilapia is the most important, accounting for 94 % of total tilapia production. Among the major problems encountered in tilapia farming is the inconsistent supply of quality and adequate seeds, which could be solved through systematic breeding programmes. Among the major problems encountered in tilapia species farming is the inconsistent supply of quality and adequate seeds, which could be solved through systematic breeding programmes. This paper discusses the status of the red hybrid tilapia breeding programme in Malaysia, including issues and future perspectives. In brief, the first systematic breeding programme was initiated by the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) in 2008. Selected founder stocks from Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand were used to establish a base population for the programme. In this programme, the combined selection was practised which produced six generations of selection and successfully improved 12.5 % of harvest body weight per generation. The 6th generation was used as one of the founder stocks, apart from FRI Glami Lemi, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang populations to improve resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae. In 2017, the scope of the programme was expanded to include molecular tool in identifying markers for growth. Ten SNP markers associated with high growth performance traits were discovered. The provision of better breeding stocks for the aquaculture industry and the development of safe and productive operations are expected to result in more stable fish production and an improved income for farmers.