New Zealand King Salmon

Thermotolerance for environmental challenges

New Zealand King Salmon (NZKS) are premium salmon producers in the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds, producing the internationally acclaimed Ōra King salmon. Operations include annual production of 12k tonnes and more than 10 generations of selective breeding expertise.

The challenge

As a premium salmon producer, NZKS faced several key breeding challenges:

Adapting to increasing water temperatures and environmental pressures

Maintaining high survival rates in sea cages
Ensuring consistent harvest sizes for premium markets
Sustaining long-term breeding program effectiveness
Meeting demanding quality standards for high-end culinary markets

Our solution

Xelect and NZKS implemented the following:

Comprehensive breeding programme management
Advanced genetic technology to combat environmental challenges
Introduction of genomic selection
Long-term partnership commitment for program stability

Quantitative achievements

17.5% increase

in sea cage survival

8-13% genetic progress

in nucleus harvest size

Project timeline

2017: Project initiation
2022: First realization of genetic gains
2024: Successful thermotolerance validation

Qualitative improvements

Validated correlation between laboratory thermotolerance and summer mortality
Successful implementation across multiple generations

Key innovations

Integration of environmental adaptation into breeding goals
Successfully validated laboratory-to-field correlation
Proven genetic progress in commercially important traits

Commercial success

Established profitable customer base
Maintained premium market position
Successfully integrated advanced genetic technology
Demonstrated correlation between laboratory and field performance

Future implications

The partnership establishes a foundation for:

Continued improvement in thermotolerance traits
Enhanced survival rates in changing environmental conditions
Sustained genetic advancement in growth and quality traits
Maintained leadership in premium salmon markets
Long-term sustainability of premium salmon production

“We’re excited about the potential for the new partnership with Xelect. Following a comprehensive review of laboratories and services around the world, Xelect stood out for their experience, professionalism and scientific approach that is essential for our business to continue the development of our premium breed program, delivering our unique Ora King salmon.”

Rene Contreras

Broodstock Manager,
New Zealand King Salmon

“The pristine environment and lack of disease in New Zealand waters coupled with a well-established breeding program provides exciting opportunities to further enhance the quality of this unique product.”

Professor Ian Johnston

Co-founder
Xelect Ltd

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