Valorēs implements a breeding program to enhance the performance of Artic charr in commercial aquaculture, now advancing into its 10th generation of selection this fall. Diploid progeny face hurdles in attaining marketable size due to premature sexual maturity, impacting flesh quality and feed conversion. To counter this, Valorēs began producing triploid Artic charr in 2016. Triploids, being sterile, channel energy away from gonad development into growth, offering advantages like reduced escapement risks and safeguarding intellectual property. Despite potential benefits, the financial viability of triploid production remains unexplored. This project is divided in two phases: separate rearing of diploids and triploids until market size, followed by performance assessment during harvest and processing. Metrics include survival rates, growth, feed conversion, maturation rate, and product quality (fillets yields, pigment, lipid and protein contents).
Phase one presented here aims to gather comprehensive data on survival, growth, and feed conversion across different ploidy levels over two years in commercial conditions. This project evaluates triploid fish performance under modern aquaculture conditions. Results will benefit stakeholders invested in Artic charr aquaculture, ensuring the success and viability of Arctic charr breeding program and its industry.