US scientists to develop standard genetic stock of rainbow trout for research studies

摘要

The number and diversity of aquaculture species prevents a unified front to the scientific advancement of farmed fish since each is at a different stage of domestication and technical development. Furthermore, the value of any farmed species, and itspotential usefulness for either research or food, affect research funding opportunities and therefore the type and scope of research that may be conducted. For example, some species are used widely for studies of embryonic- and cell development, and their use has enhanced our general knowledge offish anatomy and physiology. In some countries, fish are the third most commonly used experimental animal after mice and rats. This is closely linked to the rapid development of the aquaculture industry; to regulatory requirements that use fish as indicators of environmental change; and the use offish as a replacement for mammals in biomedical, pharmacological and genetic research. Species such as zebrafish, fugu, rainbow trout, catfish, Atlantic salmon, tilapia, and bivalves are used in scientific- aquaculture- and agricultural research programs.