Once the gene is stabilized and integrated into the first generation, the gene is passed on through normal inheritance, he says. It's a four-generation process to get this to work. The fourth generation becomes broodstock, Entis says, which will spawn a 100 percent transgenic fifth generation. Usually, it's up to three years from first feed to market. Not only do the fish grow faster, says Entis, but as a result, they also require less total feed from birth to harvest.
Feed represents the single largest cost in farming fish.
Bettering a species' food- conversion rate could significantly lower the cost of production for farmers. Entis says his fish display a food conversion rate that is roughly 25 percent better than that for other Atlantic salmon. Ultimately, lowering the cost of producing the fish will mean better profits and lower prices for consumers, says Entis. The product increases the profit margin for the producer and lowers the price for the consumer. Panelists could not tell the difference between transgenic and non-transgenic fish, he says.