NEWS 94 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 Recent research demonstrated a significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting resistance to Streptococcus iniae in Benchmark Genetics’ high performing strain of Nile tilapia. This discovery is the result of an awarded collaboration between the USDA’s Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit (AAHRU) and Benchmark’s geneticist Sergio Vela-Avitúa et al. The QTL found by the team explained up to 26% of the genetic variation in resistance. Fish were then selectively bred for survival to S. inae using marker-assisted selection (MAS) to demonstrate resistance in fish classified as “resistant” or “susceptible”. Sergio Vela-Avitúa commented on the findings: “The results were impressive, with a final cumulative percent mortality of only 1% for offspring from resistant parents, compared to 73% for offspring from susceptible parents. These results demonstrate that MAS for improved resistance to S. iniae is feasible and likely to be highly effective”. Benchmark Genetics has already implemented these results into their breeding and production of genetically improved Spring Tilapia® breeders and fingerlings. Morten Rye, Director of Genetics at Benchmark Genetics commented: “We are thrilled to announce this breakthrough in the development of more disease-resistant tilapia strains.” Read more>> Significant breakthrough in the development of disease-resistant tilapia strains Hendrix Genetics announced the appointment of Richard Maatman as Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hendrix Genetics in 2022 and mentioned that Richard would succeed Antoon van den Berg as CEO in the course of 2023. After a successful introduction and transition period, Antoon van den Berg has decided to step down from his position as CEO and chairman of the Executive Committee of Hendrix Genetics. As of April 1, 2023, he will hand over his responsibilities to Richard Maatman. Antoon will remain an actively involved shareholder in the company. Richard Maatman has extensive international management experience in agribusiness, animal breeding and animal nutrition. After graduating from Wageningen Agriculture University in 1993, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Animal Science with specialization in Animal Breeding, he joined Nutreco/ Euribrid as Geneticist of Hisex Layers. From 1998 till 2000 he worked as a Geneticist for Hendrix Poultry Breeders, the predecessor of Hendrix Genetics. From 2003 till 2007 Richard was General Manager of the broiler breeding activities Hybro which was combined in 2008 with Cobb-Vantress. From 2007 till the end of 2022, he held various senior management positions within Nutreco. In his most recent role as Managing Director he was leading the Trouw Nutrition activities for Europe, Central-Asia and Middle East. Richard joined Hendrix Genetics per first of January 2023 as deputy CEO. Read more>> Richard Maatman to succeed Antoon van den Berg as CEO of Hendrix Genetics
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