[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: KillieTalk Digest V2 #68


In a message dated 3/1/98 8:37:52 PM, you wrote:

<<deformities that I suspect could be the
results of inbreeding. I suppose the best answer is to find another
breeder with these fish and do a trade. >>

Two points I would like to answer:
(1)  Deformities are not necessarily the result of inbreeding.  Remember that
many of these fish come from small bodies of water with minimal chance of
genetic exchange with other populations.  Over time, these populations
probably become very inbred, so our wild imports are already probably very
genetically homogeneous.
(2)  You have to be very careful in out breeding that you obtain specimens
from the same population  as your original strain.  Mixing different
populations can introduce a whole new set of problems, including lowered
fertility.  You also would have what most people would consider a "mongrel"
population. Even if you out breed within a given population, you may not gain
very much genetic variation, (see point #1 above)
    There is a definite possibility that the deformities that you are seeing
are caused by environmental factors, in which case the whole point is moot,
and you need to look elsewhere for correction of the problem.  If the problem
IS genetic, you might get around it by being very careful in the selection of
brood stock, but if the problem is recessive, a  large degree of luck would
probably be necessary to eliminate the problem.  In this case, your best bet
would , in my opinion, be to eliminate the strain that you are keeping and
start over with fresh, healthy stock.  Before taking that drastic step,
though,  I would try to be sure that the problem is purely genetic in nature.
You don't mention the type of deformities you are encountering, but "belly-
sliders" in particular can be linked to insufficient incubation time when peat
incubation is used.  I would look very carefully at factors such as this
before assuming that the problem is related to 
inbreeding.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth.  Hope it helps.
Jeff
WndrKdnomo at aol_com