Genome Editing

Genome Editing

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CAT is the first aquaculture technology organization

Positioned to deliver cutting-edge technology

Genome editing represents the next frontier in genetic improvement for aquatic species. It offers the opportunity to do more with less - preserve natural resources while simultaneously satisfying increasing consumer demand for seafood. This technology resolves problems in animal husbandry that cannot be addressed by conventional breeding methods. It results in the fast, effective, and precise change of the genome sequence that improves health, welfare and performance of farmed aquatic animals, reduces the pressure on wild species and the environment and delivers high-quality food to consumers.

Improvements to farmed animals

  • Animals that adapt to changing environments and have strong natural immunity
  • A diverse gene pool prevents genetic disorders
  • Sterile broodstock has enhanced performance and higher yields

Environmental Benefits

  • Sterile farm escapees prevent unintended impacts on wild populations
  • Combating health and welfare concerns with genome editing eliminates the need to use chemicals and antibiotics that negatively impact environment
  • Improved use of sustainable feed ingredients reduces feed waste

Consumer Benefits

  • Lower production costs make food more accessible to consumers
  • Genome editing allows producers to increase the quantity and quality of yield and deliver healthy and nutritious products

Genome Editing recreates changes what would happen in nature in a more precise and efficient manner.

Sterility

Because we don’t want our GE animals to reproduce during production or in the wild…

Sterile populations of aquatic animals perform better in the grow-out phase. There are fewer losses due to early maturation, and nutrition is partitioned towards growth rather than sexual maturity. Sterile animals are incapable of interbreeding with wild fish, where occasionally they escape from the farm.

CAT adopted the 'Sterility first' approach as a requirement for adding any additional edits that influence other traits - to protect wild populations.

Disease Resistance

Because it’s wrong to let animals suffer from disease…

Major genes that control resistance to particular pathogens are being identified and editing of these target genes can prevent animals from suffering from a disease.

Sex

Because sometimes we only need males or females…

In farm animals, one sex often performs better than the other. Male tilapia and Atlantic salmon are faster growing and more efficient than females. Farmers prefer to raise the sex that gives them the best performance.

Economics

Because we want to do more with less...

Genome editing allows to improve growth, yield, efficiency and economic performance, as well as increase the sustainability of aquaculture.

We support innovation

CAT is the first and only aquaculture research organization positioned to deliver revolutionary genome editing technology to producers in the aquaculture industry.

Genome editing allows the improvement of traits that couldn’t be changed before. Our world-class team and facilities enable us to create custom genome-edited lines for any trait or species.

Why do we need genome editing?

Improving
health

Improving the health and welfare of farmed species.

Protecting Environment

Protecting wild populations and natural resources. 

Satisfying Demand

Satisfying growing consumer demand by doing more with less.

Enhancing sustainability

Enhancing the sustainability of production and increasing ROI.

Fair consumer price

Delivering wholesome, healthy food at a fair price to the consumer.

Incorporating Genome Editing into Breeding Programs

Aquaculture breeding program

Conventional breeding programs are based on identifying the best females and males to be bred together to produce the next generation of animals. In this case, genetic improvement is done over time - in several generations - and can be accelerated through the application of innovative genomic tools that provide high precision when selecting for the best candidates.

Genome editing in fish

CAT geneticists can identify target genes that have a major impact on the traits and use enzyme systems such as CRISPR, to alter the genetic sequence of the animal. Such changes deliver significant genetic improvement in just one generation – resulting in targeted improvement of key traits. CAT offers detection of gene variants by genotyping with subsequent GE integration into breeding programs.

We provide solutions tailored to you.

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