Advances in genetic improvement of Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 in aquaculture: a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262412172

Keywords:

genetic improvement, genomic selection, models, sustainable aquaculture, Sparus aurata

Abstract

This study conducted a systematic review of genetic improvement in Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758, focusing on advances from 2020 to 2025. Traditional and genomic selection programs were evaluated, including BLUP and GBLUP models, medium-to-high density SNP panels, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), to estimate genetic values for growth, feed efficiency, and lipid composition, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Results indicated that growth heritability ranged from 0.25 to 0.40, while feed efficiency presented h² values of 0.20–0.35, reflecting moderate-to-high genetic potential for selection response. Integration of genomic information increased prediction accuracy by 12–20% compared to traditional BLUP. Selected lines maintained stable performance under alternative diets containing 1.5–2.0% DHA, preserving muscle quality and lipid composition. The review identified gaps in the genetic evaluation of reproductive traits, disease resistance, and animal welfare, as well as the need to standardize phenotyping protocols and SNP panel density. These findings suggest that combining traditional and genomic selection represents the most effective strategy to optimize productivity, sustainability, and genetic conservation in gilthead sea bream aquaculture, providing a solid foundation for future research aimed at multi-trait selection and application in commercial production systems.

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Published

2026-06-24

How to Cite

Paredes Mamani, L., Mamani Ochochoque, J., & Yanarico-Huanca, D. (2026). Advances in genetic improvement of Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 in aquaculture: a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. The Biologist, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262412172