Estimation of Heritability for Growth‐related Traits in Paralichthys olivaceus Using a Microsatellite‐based Pedigree

Abstract

AbstractThis study estimated the heritabilities of growth‐related traits in Paralichthys olivaceus using a microsatellite‐based pedigree. A set of 48 microsatellite markers located at different regions of each linkage group were selected from the published genetic map. The flounders used here originated from the Bohai Sea and the broodstock was mated to produce 10 full‐sib families. The resulting fish were assayed to obtain the probabilities of exclusion (Excl 1 and Excl 2) for each marker. Sixteen markers showed low Excl 1 and Excl 2 values, eight had high probability values, and the remainder showed intermediate probability values. A marker‐based pedigree of four full‐factorial crosses (FFCs) was constructed using the eight markers with high Excl 1 and Excl 2 probabilities. Body measurements (such as body weight and total length) were determined in 752–943 individuals from the FFCs at 200, 400, and 500 d of age. An animal model was used for single‐trait analyses and estimated moderate heritabilities, ranging from 0.23 to 0.48. These results demonstrate that markers with high exclusion probabilities provide an efficient tool for parentage assignments and genetic analyses in Japanese flounder. Marker‐assisted estimation of heritability is an efficient approach to genetically improve growth traits in this species.