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Privacy Policy Accept all cookies Manage cookie preferences Video library Toggle search English English French Brazilian Portuguese Hendrix Genetics Corporate governance Value creation Innovation Collaboration Sustainability History Animal breeding Laying hen breeding Turkey breeding Swine breeding Salmon breeding Trout breeding Shrimp breeding Traditional poultry breeding Animal research Research & Technology Research Opportunities News & Events News Events Career site Contact us Media English English French Brazilian Portuguese Video library Home News Advancing shrimp breeding to meet the growing demand Published on Nov. 1, 2017 Advancing shrimp breeding to meet the growing demand Shrimp may be a tiny animal, but they punch above their weight in several fronts. It is the fastest growing protein in aquaculture and a major source of income for many coastal areas globally. Shrimp also have incredible genetic potential and they will play a major part in feeding a growing world into the future. In the 1970s commercial shrimp farming exploded. Small-scale land-based farms were built to meet the growing demand and supplement the harvesting of wild shrimp. Today more than 55 percent of the world’s shrimp is supplied by aquaculture. This production is showing no signs of decline. With an expansion rate of 10 percent each year, shrimp has the highest growth rate in the aquaculture industry. Shrimp production is an important activity both in economic terms and from the perspective of its contribution to human nutrition. It is an important aquaculture species as shrimp ranks third in value terms after salmon and trout. Shrimps are mainly produced in developing countries. They provide the local population with food and income. The white-leg shrimp (Penaeus Vannamei) is the species with the highest production volumes. It is followed by the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus Monodon). Diseases, however are the major constraints for aquaculture production. As vaccination is not an option in shrimp, genetic selection is considered one of the best options in fighting many diseases. Multi species advantages of Hendrix Genetics The application of the so-called “classic” or conventional methods of quantitative genetics to genetically improve the shrimp has allowed for continuous genetic progress. The methods have delivered great value to increase the profitability of the shrimp industry in several countries. For the development of shrimp breeding methods, and hence accelerate shrimp genetic progress, it is time to advance shrimp breeding programs. With a two pronged approach that includes the further advancement of quantitative genetics and the second with the introduction of genomics, great strides can be made. In particular, novel techniques may help increase disease resistance to specific emerging diseases, which is today a very important aspect in shrimp breeding programs. Hendrix Genetics has been involved in genomics for many years and with our multi-species approach we know how to implement genomics into new species and get results. After salmon and trout, we are ready to take on the challenges in shrimp breeding. We are thrilled to develop our global shrimp breeding program with a clear focus on local needs. Every market operates with different systems and faces different challenges, we need to breed the right product for the right market. Robbert Blonk Director of R & D Aquaculture The importance of aquaculture The significant growth in fish consumption has enhanced people’s diets around the world through diversified and nutritious food. Fish accounts for about 17 percent of the global population’s intake of animal protein. World per capita fish consumption has grown to over 20 kg, thanks to the immense growth of aquaculture. Fish continues to be one of the most-traded food commodities worldwide, with more than half of fish exports by value originating in developing countries. Recent reports highlight the tremendous potential of the oceans and inland waters now, and even more so in the future, to contribute significantly to food security and adequate nutrition for a global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Author Neil Manchester Managing Director Aquaculture Related articles Sept. 23, 2020, by Julie Kuiack Reducing stress on a global scale We understand the complexity and expertise needed to run successful farming operations across the globe. Life can be stressful and especially with the impact of Covid-19, we all are feeling the squee… Read more July 27, 2020, by Julie Kuiack Improving sustainable breeding, Ecuador leading the way with first strategic shrimp breeding operation Hendrix Genetics begins the first cycle of sustainable shrimp production in Ecuador at state-of-the art strategic shrimp breeding operation. The Macrobio hatchery is making waves in the Ecuadorian sh… Read more July 1, 2020, by Marcel Huijsmans Dr George Chamberlain to retire from Kona Bay Shrimp Hendrix Genetics announced today that Dr George Chamberlain, Managing Director of Kona Bay, has decided to retire effective July 1, 2020. Dr Chamberlain has been leading the company successfully for … Read more Hendrix Genetics Corporate governance Value creation Collaboration Innovation Sustainability Newsletter Partnerships Animal Breeding Laying hen breeding Turkey breeding Swine breeding Salmon breeding Trout breeding Shrimp breeding Traditional poultry breeding Animal Research Research & Technology Animal research Research Opportunities Careers Career site Contact us Follow us © 2020 Copyright Hendrix Genetics BV Terms of Use Conditions of sale Privacy Policy