Selective Breeding in Commercial North American Rainbow Trout Populations

Troutlodge, Inc. is a commercial seedstock supplier to the world-wide rainbow trout farming industry.  The current farmed production harvest level of rainbow trout is estimated at nearly 900,000 metric tons (FAO, 2012).  Troutlodge’s annual output of 500 million embryonated eggs shipped per year to ~60 countries is estimated at roughly 30 – 45 % of the global market share.

Throughout the company’s 70 year history a variety of genetic selection programs have been implemented.  Early programs targeted the timing of reproduction to enable year-round seed supply to the market.  Over the past 15 years more comprehensive, rigorous programs have targeted the improvement of growth and carcass related traits.  The results of these programs, current program status, and a look towards the future are presented.