Spring Genetics operates an advanced family based breeding program for Nile tilapia, with breeding nucleus operations in Miami, Florida, USA. The Spring Genetics stock has been selected for key traits such as fast growth, survivability and yield, and more recently for increased resistance to Streptococcus iniae and S. agalactiae Ib, Francisella and TilV. Selection of disease resistance is based on controlled challenge testing of nucleus families. Additional key traits such as resistance to other pathogens, improved feed conversion efficiency, tolerance to salinity and high/low temperatures are currently assessed for implementation. Benchmark Genetics Tilapia is distributing genetically improved, high performing materials to integrated companies and affiliated multiplication hatcheries throughout the Americas and Asia .
