Partnership between Xelect and Orkney Shellfish Hatchery leads to innovative DNA test for Bonamia
A partnership between two of the most progressive aquaculture companies in Scotland has borne fruit with the successful development of an innovative new DNA-based method of detecting the pathogen Bonamia in European Flat Oysters. Orkney Shellfish Hatchery is a state-of-the-art aquaculture hatchery specialising in premium, disease free shellfish products for aquaculture and restoration projects. The […]
Looking back, thinking ahead
2020 has been a memorable year for many of the wrong reasons. But we believe the challenges have made us stronger, and more agile. Fish Farming Expert asked our CMO, Chris Wallard, to share his thoughts on the year gone by, and what to expect in 2021.
Genetics: a secret weapon against sea lice
Dr Marie Smedley explores how genetics is an undervalued resource in the fight against common parasites.
Xelect collaboration reveals even greater potential for natural genetic variation to boost aquaculture
For decades we’ve known that well designed genetic selection programmes can result in major gains in fish production. However new research into Atlantic salmon, spearheaded by Dr Alicia Bertolotti, has highlighted a hitherto untapped resource of genetic variation that could help unlock even greater production benefits. The most common type of genetic variant distinguishing individuals […]
Case Study: 10,000 miles apart. 1 goal.
In December 2019 two journeys began. The first started at an airport in Edinburgh as I set off for my first site visit to Petuna. The other journey was going to take a little longer: a ground-breaking selective breeding programme to ensure best fish performance in elevated summer temperatures. Most people now know that a […]
Xelect Introducers – Our new partnerships programme
We’ve expanded significantly recently, and are scaling up our business inresponse to increasing demand for genetic programmes in aquaculture. The industry is rapidly fragmenting into major producers, using the latest genetics best practice, and smaller local operations. We’re therefore looking to grow our network of ‘introducers’ who can work with us to grow our business. […]
Xelect announce new partnership in Kenya: Unlocking the genetic potential of tilapia
We’re delighted to announce a genetic analysis project supported by Msingi East Africa. This project helps to enable modern genetic selective breeding in tilapia operations in Kenya and Uganda. The project is a significant step forward in sustainable aquaculture in the area, and began with our experts providing the partner farms with on-the-ground training in […]
Genetics and RAS: does the new frontier in global aquaculture require a fresh approach to selective breeding?
One of my first experiences of working in the aquaculture industry was on a tilapia farm in Cambridgeshire, thousands of miles from anywhere a tilapia would normally call home. Those were the early days of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) – it was the beginning of a new frontier that was technically and economically risky. Many tried and many failed.
COVID-19 and the ‘new normal’
For every business, COVID-19 has meant a lot of changes. But in some cases they’ve been changes for the better.
Genetics in a nutshell
Genetic breeding programmes may sound complicated and expensive, but Xelect make them straightforward and affordable. If you’re wondering how they work in practice check our short video.