Developing genetic tools for mussel hatchery broodstock
Project summary
Anticipated benefits
Sufficient supply of mussel broodstock to support a commercial hatchery and an insight into the genetic diversity of the Scottish mussel population, aiding the establishment of a reliable source of quality mussels for market
£150K
Total value
17%
Industry Contribution
66%
SAIC Contribution
17%
Academia Contribution
Partners
- Xelect
- The NAFC at the University of the Highlands and Islands
Procurement of spat is a vital but highly variable part of the mussel farming process. Sporadic failures in wild spat settlement present a real risk to Scottish mussel farming businesses, therefore a reliable source of hatchery-reared spat would allow for steady and planned growth of the industry.
Adult mussel samples were supplied from a wide variety of Shetland farms for a microsatellite study and baseline libraries of genetic data were created. An SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) panel was developed and production of microalgal feed for mussel larvae cultures began. Once mussel larvae were produced, genetic analysis took place and SNP panel was validated.
This project has facilitated the development of more rapid genotyping and sequencing protocols for blue mussels that will help reduce analytical costs and be of future benefit to both farmers and geneticists.
This project has facilitated the development of more rapid genotyping and sequencing protocols for blue mussels that will help reduce analytical costs and be of future benefit to both farmers and geneticists.