Genetic differences in lipid and dry matter content between strains of rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri) and their hybrids

Abstract

Observed phenotypic differences of lipid content between strains of rainbow trout and their hybrids cultured in small Canadian prairie lakes are related to differences in the size of fish and highly correlated with differences in growth rate. As a percent of dry matter mean lipid levels of different strains and their hybrids ranged from 32.5% to 45.9% in one experiment and from 11.6% to 24.3% in another. There were significant additive genetic differences in lipid content between strains, independent of differences in weight, and there also appeared to be significant non-additive × environment interactions. Phenotypic differences in percent dry matter were small compared to the differences in lipid content.