We are using DNA information or “Natures Own Tag” to assign offspring to the pedigree. A small clip from finns or gils are used  to extract the DNA from the fish and so called genotyping performed.

A genotype of an individual is similar to a fingerprint. All individuals have their own genotype different from other individuals. Based on a number of genetic markers, genotypes of individuals can be analyzed. Based on a number of markers a pattern can be made for each individual (genotype), which is like a bar-code of the individual. All animals have the same set of the genome in every cell of their body and when reproducing the offspring receive half the genome from the mother and half the genome from the father. Therefore, genotyping can be used to trace individuals to their parents. It can also be used to trace to origin if the genotypes of populations are known. By using 10 good microsatellite markers the accuracy is as high as 99.99%. This technique is used in paternity analyzes of humans.   For this reason microsatellite markers are powerful tools in establishing an accurate pedigree. 

With our method all fish are kept in „common garden“ i.e. met separated into families but mixed in larger tanks. This brings about faster growth in the early life stage and avoiding the environmental effect from keeping families in separate tanks and cages.

In our system all parent fish are marked  with a PIT-tag or color tags and kept in a common garden. Each fish is ar given a value for  performance, or estimated  breeding value based on desired  features. 

All information on PIT tag number, DNA-information and feature performances is inserted into our MateMeRight®  database.

When fish is selected  for breeding, it is scanned with a PIT-tag scanner and the information transfers automatically into the MateMeRight® software.  The software keeps track of large amount of pedigree data and gives a list of desirable partners  based on genotype distance and feature performances and calculates Expected Genetic value of Progeny based  on information in the database.

This  is a simple and fast breeding system. The advantage is faster genetic gain per year, the method is less labor intensive and cost and environmental effect from keeping families in separate tanks and cages is avoided.

For more information go to www.matis.is/mmr/