NC-Breed Project

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

A comparison between the F1 and F2/Outcross fingerlings. Can you spot the differences? Comment down below.

Just one generation apart, certain changes can already be observed between these Native Catfish phenotypes. With these developments, there is hope for future initiatives on Native Catfish in the country.

MORE AND VARIED COMBINATIONS FOR F2 PRODUCTION SOON

Our selected F1 batches, with the oldest being currently at 8 months (aside from the first 2 batches that are already being used for breeding) since hatching, are approaching sexual maturity. In a few more months, more varied combinations can be used to produce F2s, a move that could somehow hopefully contribute to increasing the genetic diversity of the existing population.

This development presents a tangible roadmap towards bringing the long time goal of conserving and reintroducing these near-threatened species in the wild and developing a robust aquaculture industry closer to being realized.

Exciting times ahead.

ANOTHER GENERATION SECURED

The NC-Breed Project team has just recently concluded the selection of superior individuals from six (6) batches of F2 Outcrosses to be reared and conditioned as next-generation breeders as part of the ongoing Native Catfish selective breeding program both for conservation and aquaculture development.

This has been a significant progress for our team since closing the life cycle of Native Catfish in captivity and achieving closed cycle breeding would slowly eliminate the need to collect wild stocks to be used as breeders this minimizing disturbance and enhancing conservation of wild populations.

Moreover, science-backed stock enhancement, reintroduction, and aquaculture strategies would ensure that near threatened species such as this will once again thrive in the province and ultimately, in other parts of the country.

FULL HOUSE

Five (5) more batches of our Native Catfish F2s. Our nursery area is currently in full capacity.

As other F1 batches reach maturity, the team is expected to conduct mass production of F2s from June to October.

With these, the project team has demonstrated the capacity to address the main bottleneck when it comes to Native Catfish - seed availability.

Exciting times ahead!

There are noticeable improvements with the second filial generation (F2) batches observed as compared to the F1s. First, there is an observable and measurable improvement in their growth rate. Moreover, the fins are noticeably broader and gained color at just 1 month of age. Comple coloration was also achieved at at lesser DOC. This is a positive sign which signals that Native Catfish KPIs can be improved through selective breeding.

To date, the project has 14 unique batches of F1s from various crosses and 6 batches of F2s.

Exciting times ahead!

Ongoing construction and preparation of the earthen ponds intended for Native Catfish and Tilapia culture in one of the beneficiaries of our partners DSWD 4Ps and DOLE-TUPAD programs with the support of LGU of Bataraza, Palawan.

This is a prime example of the community in action under the supervision and guidance of our partner agencies.



Video credits to Mr. John Rey Baylon of DSWD 4Ps Program