October 30, 2017

Hendrix Genetics moves into shrimp breeding

Hendrix Genetics partners with Integrated Aquaculture International LLC (iAqua) to accelerate the Kona Bay shrimp breeding programme based in Hawaii, US, and Malaysia.

The company has completed a deal with iAqua to participate in the breeding and production of shrimp for the global industry. The latter is an aquaculture technology company based in the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Its breeding centre produces genetically-improved Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) broodstock under the brand name "Kona Bay" and will soon launch its line of SPF black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon).

The participation by Hendrix Genetics will accelerate iAqua's shrimp breeding programme by introducing advanced genetic and genomic technologies developed by the company.

The deal will also provide the capital necessary for the development of state-of-the-art breeding facilities for both shrimp species in Kauai, as well as the development of model hatcheries for the production of quality post-larvae in key market regions around the world.

In addition, a comprehensive programme for specific disease resistance will be implemented to further enhance the quality of Kona Bay broodstock.

Hendrix Genetics supplies Atlantic salmon eggs and smolts, rainbow trout eggs, and cutting-edge genetic services to the international aquaculture industry. It has led the industry in the development of QTLs and genomic selection in Salmonid species.

The partnership with iAqua marks Hendrix Genetics' first entry into warm water species, which complements its already strong global position in salmon and trout breeding.