GENETIC DIVERSITY ANALYSIS OF the first and second generations OF FAST-GROWING STRIPED CATFISH (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage,1878) USING MICROSATELLITE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Genetic diversity is an important aspect of a selective breeding program to produce fish broodstock carrying superior traits such as fast-growing, disease resistant, and other traits. We have carried out a breeding program to produce a fast-growing striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) since 2010. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variation of the first (G-1) and second (G-2) generations of fast-growing striped catfish using microsatellite analysis. The G-1 and G-2 populations were selected individually from populations. DNA samples were collected from 40 ind. fish of each population and analyzed using five microsatellite loci (Pg1, Pg2, Pg3, Pg13, and Pg14). The results showed that the number of alleles per loci in the G-1 and G2 populations ranged from 4 to 7 alleles, with an average of five for each generation. The average of observed heterozygosity of the G-1 population (0.420) was lower than the G-2 population (0.495). Inbreeding level showed that the G-1 population was more inbred than the G-2 population. The study also found that both striped catfish populations had relatively low genetic variation. This result suggests that monitoring of genetic variation and better scheme of good spawning were needed on the next selection program to produce the intended fast-growing striped catfish.