The Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Morphometrics and Parr Marks in an F2 cross of European and North American Strains of Cultured Atlantic Salmon

Abstract

Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) for traits under consideration for genetic improvement is becoming more common for many aquatic species, including Atlantic salmon. The objective of the study was to map QTL associated with length, weight, shape, parr mark number and contrast in three F2 hybrid families of European and North American strains of Atlantic salmon using single nucleotide polymorphisms. GridQTL software was used to perform separate analyses for male and female linkage maps. Numerous highly significant QTL were detected for every trait. Locations of QTL differed based on age and map used. Some QTL locations for the analyzed traits were similar to those of other studies on purebred and backcross Atlantic salmon populations; however, many more QTL were detected in the hybrid F2’s. The amount of genetic variation in skin colour and pattern displayed within the transAtlantic F2 families greatly exceeded the ranges seen in nature.