A rapid screening method for the high feed efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone

Abstract

This invention discloses a rapid screening method for *Abalone simonii* with high feed efficiency. This rapid screening can be achieved through either method I) or II). Method I) involves selecting 12-month-old *Abalone simonii* individuals for constant-temperature culture and subjecting them to 7 days of starvation stress. The specific weight loss rate of each individual after 7 days of starvation stress is calculated, and the 50% with the smallest specific weight loss rate are considered individuals with high feed efficiency. Method II) involves selecting 12-month-old *Abalone simonii* individuals for constant-temperature culture and subjecting them to 10 days of starvation stress, followed by resumption of feeding for 28 days. Weight changes are recorded, and the weight gain of each individual from day 14 to day 28 after resumption of feeding is calculated. The 50% with the largest weight gain are considered individuals with high feed efficiency. The screening method provided by this invention can accurately and rapidly obtain *Abalone simonii* individuals with high feed efficiency, shortening the evaluation cycle and significantly reducing the cost of trait evaluation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of screening and breeding technology for wrinkled abalone, specifically to a rapid screening method for wrinkled abalone with high feed efficiency. Background Technology

[0002] Abalone, considered the king of the "Four Delicacies of the Sea," boasts high-quality protein and rich nutritional value, making it an important economic shellfish in many countries worldwide. my country is the world's largest abalone farming country, with a production reaching 245,000 tons by 2023, accounting for approximately 90% of global production. However, the rapid increase in production has led to a predicament of increased supply but decreased prices in the abalone market. Furthermore, with continuously rising farming costs, my country's abalone farming industry has entered an era of low profits and high risks. Therefore, controlling feed costs has become paramount for the abalone farming industry.

[0003] Improving abalone feed efficiency means achieving the same or even higher production levels with less input, significantly reducing farming costs while decreasing the output of eutrophic components such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Traditional feed efficiency assessments require precise measurement of the actual feed intake of each individual, which is particularly difficult for abalone living in complex benthic environments. Currently, the most effective method for assessing abalone feed efficiency is individual culture, with an assessment period of 72 days. This requires daily quantitative feeding and uneaten feed collection for each abalone, placing extremely high demands on manpower and time. Therefore, the limited number of individuals assessed each time significantly restricts the efficiency and intensity of breeding efforts. Finding a rapid indirect indicator to predict or indicate the feed efficiency of wrinkled abalone has become a key focus of breeding work. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a screening method for indirectly and rapidly obtaining the relative values ​​of the feed efficiency trait of abalone with wrinkled discs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A rapid screening method for the high feed efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone, which can be carried out by either method I) or II).

[0007] Method I includes the following steps:

[0008] After randomly selecting wrinkled abalone of uniform size, the weight of all individuals was accurately measured. After 7 days of starvation stress, the weight of each individual was accurately measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated.

[0009] The specific weight loss rate of each wrinkled abalone was statistically analyzed, and the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest according to the specific weight loss rate. The bottom 50% of individuals according to the specific weight loss rate were considered to be individuals with high feed efficiency.

[0010] Method II) includes the following steps:

[0011] After randomly selecting wrinkled abalone of uniform size, the weight of all individuals was accurately measured. After 10 days of starvation stress, the weight of each individual was accurately measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated.

[0012] Individual animals were reared after starvation stress and fed a recovery diet for 28 days. Weight changes during the recovery feeding period were recorded and the weight gain of each individual was calculated.

[0013] The weight gain of each wrinkled abalone from 14 to 28 days was statistically analyzed, and the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest weight gain. The top 50% of individuals with the highest weight gain from 14 to 28 days were considered to have high feed efficiency.

[0014] As one possible implementation method, method I) further includes the following steps:

[0015] 1.1) Randomly select wrinkled abalone of uniform size and then transfer them to a constant temperature single-entity culture container for temporary rearing for 7 days. During the temporary rearing period, feed them a sufficient amount of dried kelp every 2-3 days and replace 50% of the seawater with fresh seawater every day.

[0016] 1.2) After the temporary holding period, the initial body size of all individuals of the wrinkled abalone was measured, and they were subjected to a 7-day starvation stress treatment. During this period, the culture water environment was kept consistent with that during the temporary holding period. After the stress treatment, their body size was measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated.

[0017] 1.3) After removing outliers, the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest according to a specific weight loss rate. The top 50% of individuals after sorting by specific weight loss rate were considered to have higher feed efficiency.

[0018] As one possible implementation method, further, method II) specifically includes the following steps:

[0019] 2.1) Randomly select wrinkled abalone of uniform size and then transfer them to a constant temperature single-entity culture container for temporary rearing for 7 days. During the temporary rearing period, feed them a sufficient amount of dried kelp every 2-3 days and replace 50% of the seawater with fresh seawater every day.

[0020] 2.2) After the temporary holding period, the initial body size of all individuals of the wrinkled abalone was measured, and they were subjected to 10 days of starvation stress treatment. During this period, the culture water environment was kept consistent with that during the temporary holding period. After the stress treatment, their body size was measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated.

[0021] 2.3) Individual recovery feeding was carried out after starvation stress. Each individual was fed an equal amount of dry kelp every 3 days and the uneaten feed was collected. The body size of each individual was measured on day 14 and day 28, and their weight gain was calculated.

[0022] 2.4) After removing outliers, the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest weight gain, and the top 50% of individuals with the highest weight gain over 14-28 days were considered to have high feed efficiency.

[0023] As one possible implementation method, further, during the temporary rearing process in both Method I and Method II, the water temperature is maintained at 21±1℃, dissolved oxygen at 6.5±0.2mg / L, salinity at 29±1ppt, and pH at 8.0±0.2.

[0024] As one possible implementation method, further, during the temporary holding process in both Method I and Method II, sufficient dried kelp is fed to ensure that each abalone has leftover feed before the next feeding.

[0025] As one possible implementation, further, in step 2.3), each individual is fed an equal and sufficient amount of dried kelp every 3 days and any leftover feed is collected. The amount of dried kelp fed is 5%-7% of the body weight, and the amount of kelp fed increases with the increase of body weight to ensure that each abalone has leftover feed before the next feeding.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0027] 1) The screening method for wrinkled abalone with high feed efficiency provided by the present invention can accurately and quickly obtain wrinkled abalone individuals with high feed efficiency, which can serve the evaluation and breeding of feed efficiency traits of wrinkled abalone, shorten the evaluation cycle, and greatly reduce the cost of trait evaluation.

[0028] 2) This invention demonstrates through experiments that individuals with high feed efficiency in the wrinkled abalone exhibit better tolerance to starvation stress, specifically a lower specific weight loss rate. By recording weight changes after 7 days of starvation stress and further calculating the specific weight loss rate, individuals with higher feed efficiency can be selected. Furthermore, recording weight gain from days 14 to 28 after 10 days of starvation stress followed by refeeding also allows for the selection of individuals with high feed efficiency. Both methods can quickly screen wrinkled abalone individuals with high feed efficiency traits within a short period, enabling the efficient selection of individuals with high feed efficiency traits that meet breeding requirements, thus accelerating the wrinkled abalone breeding process. This new indirect screening index can not only be used in the breeding of wrinkled abalone but can also be explored for application in the breeding of other marine economic shellfish, further accelerating the breeding process. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a simplified flowchart of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 A graph showing the difference in feed efficiency between two groups with high and low specific weight loss rates during 7 days of starvation stress;

[0032] Figure 3 A graph showing the difference in feed efficiency between two groups with high and low weight gain after 10 days of starvation stress followed by refeeding for 14-28 days. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] See attached document Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a rapid screening method for the high feed efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone, which can be carried out by either method I) or II).

[0036] Method I includes the following steps:

[0037] 1.1) After randomly selecting wrinkled abalone of uniform size, the weight of all individuals was accurately measured. After 7 days of starvation stress, the weight of each individual was accurately measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated.

[0038] 1.2) The specific weight loss rate of each wrinkled abalone was statistically analyzed, and the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest according to the specific weight loss rate. The bottom 50% of individuals according to the specific weight loss rate were considered to be individuals with high feed efficiency.

[0039] Method II) includes the following steps:

[0040] 2.1) After randomly selecting wrinkled abalone of uniform size, the weight of all individuals was accurately measured. After 10 days of starvation stress, the weight of each individual was accurately measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated.

[0041] 2.2) Individual individuals were reared after starvation stress and fed again for 28 days. The weight changes during the rearing period were recorded and the weight gain of each individual was calculated.

[0042] 2.3) The weight gain of each wrinkled abalone from 14 to 28 days was statistically analyzed, and the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest weight gain. The top 50% of individuals with the highest weight gain from 14 to 28 days were considered to have high feed efficiency.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] This embodiment verifies the effectiveness of a rapid screening method for wrinkled abalone, a trait known for its high feed efficiency. The steps are as follows:

[0045] (1) Select wrinkled abalone of uniform size for constant temperature single-individual culture and measure the feed efficiency trait of each individual (using FER, feed efficiency ratio as the discrimination index).

[0046] (2) After obtaining its feed properties, different levels of hunger stress and recovery feeding experiments were conducted, and relevant indicators of weight loss during hunger stress and weight gain during recovery feeding were recorded.

[0047] (3) Correlation analysis was conducted on the relevant indicators of weight loss during starvation stress and weight gain during recovery feeding of abalone with its own feed efficiency traits. The results showed that some indicators were highly linearly correlated with feed efficiency traits.

[0048] The specific steps for proving validity are as follows:

[0049] (1) Experimental materials: 400 10-month-old wrinkled abalone of uniform size, all from Minruibao Marine Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province;

[0050] (2) Experimental methods:

[0051] (2.1) Select 400 wrinkled abalone of uniform size and transfer them to a constant temperature individual culture container for temporary rearing for 7 days. During the temporary rearing, feed them a sufficient amount of dried kelp every 2-3 days and replace 50% of the fresh seawater every day. Maintain the water temperature at 21±1℃, dissolved oxygen at 6.5±0.2mg / L, salinity at 29±1ppt, and pH at 8.0±0.2.

[0052] (2.2) After the temporary rearing period, the initial body size indicators were measured, and a feed efficiency trait evaluation experiment was conducted. During the evaluation experiment, the aquatic environment was kept consistent with the temporary rearing process. In addition, each abalone was fed dried kelp every 3 days, and any uneaten feed was collected. The amount of kelp fed to each abalone was sufficient and equal, approximately 5%-7% of its body weight. The amount of kelp fed increased with weight gain to ensure that each abalone had surplus feed before the next feeding. The dried kelp used in the experiment was purchased from the same factory and met the production standards for abalone feed. After the 72-day rearing experiment, the feed intake and weight gain were recorded, and the feed efficiency trait value for each individual was calculated.

[0053] (2.3) Based on the results of the feed efficiency trait evaluation, 150 abalone with high feed efficiency and 150 abalone with low feed efficiency were selected, for a total of 300 abalone. They were divided into 6 groups with 50 abalone in each group, including 25 abalone with high feed efficiency and 25 abalone with low feed efficiency. The average feed efficiency and weight of each group were kept consistent.

[0054] (2.4) Experiments were conducted on starvation stress of different gradients. The experimental treatments of the six groups were starvation for 3 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, and 21 days, as well as a control group that was fed normally.

[0055] (2.5) Observe and record the body size index of each wrinkled abalone during the starvation stress stage. After the starvation stress ends, restore feeding treatment is given and the changes in body size index are recorded. The restoration feeding time of all starvation stress groups is ended when there is no significant difference in their growth rate compared with the control group.

[0056] (2.6) Data calculation and processing:

[0057] Correlation analysis was performed on the weight loss-related indicators during the starvation stress stage and the weight gain-related indicators during the recovery feeding stage of each experimental group with their own feed efficiency values. The two indicators with the highest correlation between the two stages were selected, and the differences in feed efficiency traits were further analyzed.

[0058] (3) Analysis of results:

[0059] (3.1) Correlation analysis results of weight loss-related indicators during the starvation stress stage and weight gain-related indicators during the recovery feeding stage with their own feed efficiency values:

[0060] Table 1. Correlation coefficients between body weight changes and feed efficiency traits during starvation stress and recovery feeding.

[0061]

[0062] As shown in Table 1, the specific weight loss rate during the starvation stress stage was negatively correlated with the feed efficiency trait, with the highest correlation coefficient in the 7-day starvation stress group (r = -0.71). During the initial short period after the resumption of feeding (adaptation period), the weight gain indicators of each treatment group were not highly correlated with their own feed efficiency traits. However, in the following period, their weight gain was positively correlated with feed efficiency traits, with the highest correlation coefficient in the 14-28 day period after the resumption of feeding following 10 days of starvation stress (r = 0.79).

[0063] Example 3

[0064] This embodiment further ranks the specific weight loss rate after 7 days of starvation and the weight gain after 10 days of starvation followed by feeding for 14-28 days, and compares the significance of the differences in feed efficiency trait values ​​between the top and bottom 50% of individuals. The specific experimental method is as follows:

[0065] (1) Experimental materials: 100 wrinkled abalone of uniform size at 10 months of age, all from Minruibao Marine Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province;

[0066] (2) Experimental methods:

[0067] (2.1) Select 100 wrinkled abalone of uniform size and randomly divide them into two groups of 50 each. Then transfer them to a constant temperature individual culture container for temporary rearing for 7 days. During the temporary rearing, feed them a sufficient amount of dried kelp every 2-3 days and replace 50% of the seawater with fresh seawater every day. Maintain the water temperature at 21±1℃, dissolved oxygen at 6.5±0.2mg / L, salinity at 29±1ppt, and pH at 8.0±0.2.

[0068] (2.2) After the temporary holding period, the initial body size index was measured. The two groups of abalone were subjected to starvation stress for 7 days and 10 days respectively. The culture water environment was kept consistent with the temporary holding process. After the stress was completed, the body size index was measured and the weight loss was calculated.

[0069] (2.3) Individual recovery feeding was performed on the 10-day group. Each individual was fed an equal amount of dry kelp every 3 days and the uneaten feed was collected. The body size of each individual was measured on day 14 and day 28, and their weight gain was calculated.

[0070] (2.4) Data calculation and processing:

[0071] For the 7-day stress group, the correlation between the weight loss index and the feed efficiency trait value of all individuals after removing outliers was analyzed. Then, based on the ranking of the weight loss index, the top and bottom 50% of individuals were selected for a significant difference analysis of the feed efficiency trait value.

[0072] For the 10-day stress group, after removing outliers, the correlation analysis was performed between the weight gain indicators of all individuals from 14 to 28 days and their own feed efficiency trait values. Then, based on the ranking of the weight gain indicators, the top and bottom 50% of individuals were selected for a significant difference analysis of feed efficiency trait values.

[0073] (3) Analysis of the results:

[0074] (3.1) The table below lists some individual feed efficiency traits and weight loss indicators after starvation stress, taking the 7-day stress group as an example:

[0075]

[0076] (3.2) Correlation analysis of weight loss-related indicators during the starvation stress stage and weight gain-related indicators during the recovery feeding stage with their own feed efficiency values ​​(expressed as correlation coefficient r) is shown in the table below:

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] The data in the table above show that the specific weight loss rate during the starvation stress stage was negatively correlated with the feed efficiency trait, with the highest correlation coefficient in the 7-day starvation stress group; the weight gain during the recovery feeding stage was positively correlated with the feed efficiency trait, with the highest correlation coefficient in the 14-28 day stage after the recovery feeding following 10 days of starvation stress.

[0080] (3.3) Further ranking of the specific weight loss rate of the 7-day starvation group and the weight gain of the 10-day starvation group after 14-28 days of refeeding, and comparing the significant differences in feed efficiency between the first and last 50% of individuals.

[0081] See attached document Figure 2 As shown, the feed efficiency of the bottom 50% of individuals in the 7-day starvation group (i.e., the low specific weight loss group) was higher than that of the top 50% of individuals (i.e., the high specific weight loss group).

[0082] See attached document Figure 3 As shown, the feed efficiency of the first 50% of individuals (i.e., the high-growth group) in the 10-day starvation group, after being fed for 14-28 days, was higher than that of the last 50% of individuals (i.e., the low-growth group).

[0083] (3.4) Data Analysis:

[0084] Analysis using Excel software showed that the specific weight loss rate of abalone under 7 days of starvation stress and the weight gain during the 14-28 days after resumption of feeding following 10 days of starvation stress were highly linearly correlated with its feed efficiency trait.

[0085] Analysis using SPSS software showed that after ranking the specific weight loss rate of the 7-day starvation group and the weight gain of the 10-day starvation group after 14-28 days of refeeding, the one-way variance analysis of feed efficiency for the top and bottom 50% of individuals showed that the P-values ​​were all less than 0.01, indicating that the feed efficiency traits selected based on these two indicators are representative.

[0086] (4) Conclusion and Discussion:

[0087] The specific weight loss rate of abalone after 7 days of starvation showed a high negative correlation with its own feed efficiency (r = -0.71), while the weight gain of the group that was starved for 10 days and then fed for 14-28 days showed a high positive correlation with its own feed efficiency (r = 0.79). Furthermore, abalone with a lower specific weight loss rate had higher feed efficiency, and abalone with a higher weight gain during the recovery feeding phase had higher feed efficiency (P < 0.01).

[0088] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rapid screening method for the high-feed-efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone, characterized in that, A rapid screening method for the high feed efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone using either method I) or II); Method I includes the following steps: After randomly selecting wrinkled abalone of uniform size, the weight of all individuals was accurately measured. After 7 days of starvation stress, the weight of each individual was accurately measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated. The specific weight loss rate of each wrinkled abalone was statistically analyzed, and the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest according to the specific weight loss rate. The bottom 50% of individuals according to the specific weight loss rate were considered to be individuals with high feed efficiency. Method II) includes the following steps: After randomly selecting wrinkled abalone of uniform size, the weight of all individuals was accurately measured. After 10 days of starvation stress, the weight of each individual was accurately measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated. Individual animals were reared after starvation stress and fed a recovery diet for 28 days. Weight changes during the recovery feeding period were recorded and the weight gain of each individual was calculated. The weight gain of each wrinkled abalone from 14 to 28 days was statistically analyzed, and the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest weight gain. The top 50% of individuals with the highest weight gain from 14 to 28 days were considered to have high feed efficiency.

2. The rapid screening method for the high-feed-efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone according to claim 1, characterized in that, Method I) specifically includes the following steps: 1.1) Randomly select wrinkled abalone of uniform size and then transfer them to a constant temperature single-entity culture container for temporary rearing for 7 days. During the temporary rearing period, feed them a sufficient amount of dried kelp every 2-3 days and replace 50% of the seawater with fresh seawater every day. 1.2) After the temporary holding period, the initial body size of all individuals of the wrinkled abalone was measured, and they were subjected to a 7-day starvation stress treatment. During this period, the culture water environment was kept consistent with that during the temporary holding period. After the stress treatment, their body size was measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated. 1.3) After removing outliers, the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest according to a specific weight loss rate. The top 50% of individuals after sorting by specific weight loss rate were considered to have higher feed efficiency.

3. The rapid screening method for the high-feed-efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone according to claim 2, characterized in that, Method II) specifically includes the following steps: 2.1) Randomly select wrinkled abalone of uniform size and then transfer them to a constant temperature single-entity culture container for temporary rearing for 7 days. During the temporary rearing period, feed them a sufficient amount of dried kelp every 2-3 days and replace 50% of the seawater with fresh seawater every day. 2.2) After the temporary holding period, the initial body size of all individuals of the wrinkled abalone was measured, and they were subjected to 10 days of starvation stress treatment. During this period, the culture water environment was kept consistent with that during the temporary holding period. After the stress treatment, their body size was measured, and the specific weight loss rate of each individual was calculated. 2.3) Individual recovery feeding was carried out after starvation stress. Each individual was fed an equal amount of dry kelp every 3 days and the uneaten feed was collected. The body size of each individual was measured on day 14 and day 28, and their weight gain was calculated. 2.4) After removing outliers, the wrinkled abalone were sorted from largest to smallest weight gain, and the top 50% of individuals with the highest weight gain over 14-28 days were considered to have high feed efficiency.

4. The rapid screening method for the high-feed-efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone according to claim 3, characterized in that, During the temporary rearing process in both Method I and Method II, the water temperature was maintained at 21±1℃, dissolved oxygen at 6.5±0.2mg / L, salinity at 29±1ppt, and pH at 8.0±0.

2.

5. The rapid screening method for the high-feed-efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone according to claim 3, characterized in that, During temporary rearing in both Method I and Method II, a sufficient amount of dried kelp should be provided to ensure that each abalone has leftover feed before the next feeding.

6. The rapid screening method for the high-feed-efficiency trait of wrinkled abalone according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step 2.3), each individual is fed an equal and sufficient amount of dried kelp every 3 days and any leftover feed is collected. The amount of dried kelp fed is 5%-7% of the body weight, and the amount of kelp fed increases as the body weight increases, to ensure that each abalone has leftover feed before the next feeding.

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