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Genetic Sex Reversal in Rainbow Trout

Award Information
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Branch: N/A
Contract: 2014-02569
Agency Tracking Number: 2014-02569
Amount: $386,632.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 8.7
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2014
Award Year: 2014
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
12000 MCCUTCHEON RD
Bonney Lake, WA 98391-8114
United States
DUNS: 075733204
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Kyle Martin
 Research Geneticist
 (253) 906-3654
 kmartin@troutlodge.com
Business Contact
 Kyle Martin
Title: Research Geneticist
Phone: (253) 906-3654
Email: kmartin@troutlodge.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Female rainbow trout show improved uniformity of growth, more desirable carcass traits and reduced expression of sexual maturation compared to mixed-sex stocks, thus improving efficiency and return for the trout farming industry. As a result, all-female stocks are much more desirable, and currently comprise the vast majority (over 90%) of the rainbow trout sold in the US. Current methods of producing all-female stocks involve the use of small amounts of hormones to effectively convert genetically female trout into functional males, which in turn are used to create all-female offspring. The use of hormones for this purpose is continually being evaluated by the FDA, however the ability to use the hormones long term is not certain. Thus, an alternative method for production of all-female stocks is needed to ensure future efficiency and stability of rainbow trout aquaculture.In our rainbow trout breeding populations we have identified rare individuals who are genetically female yet they produce functional male gonads despite having never receiving hormone treatments. They are thought to contain a genetic variant which, through selective breeding, we have harnessed and intend to utilize for production of all-female rainbow trout. Crossing these rare males with normal females produces 100% female offspring. This alternative method of producing all-female rainbow trout will be evaluated for large scale production, and identification of the genetic mechanisms involved will offer insight into sex differentiation in trout and other species. Should the new method prove viable for production of all-female rainbow trout without the use of hormones, it would ensure continued efficiency and stability of rainbow trout aquaculture.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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