Genetic diversity patterns in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) populations using genome-wide SNP and haplotype data

Rainbow trout is one of the most popular aquaculture species worldwide, with a long history of domestication. However, limited information exists about the genetic diversity of farmed rainbow trout populations globally, with most available reports relying on low-throughput genotyping technologies. Notably, no information exists about the genetic diversity status of farmed rainbow trout in Sweden. Double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing was performed on more than 500 broodfish from two leading producers in Sweden and from the country's national breeding program. Following the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genetic diversity was studied by using either individual SNPs (n = 8680; one SNP retained per 300 bp sequence reads) or through SNP haplotypes (n = 20 558; all SNPs retained in 300 bp sequence reads). Similar amounts of genetic diversity were found amongst the three populations when individual SNPs were used. Furthermore, principal component analysis and discriminant analysis of principal components suggested two genetic clusters with the two industry populations grouped together. Genetic differentiation based on the F-ST fixation index was similar to 0.01 between the industry populations and similar to 0.05 when those were compared with the breeding program. Preliminary estimates of effective population size (N-e) and inbreeding (based on runs of homozygosity; F-ROH) were similar amongst the three populations (N-e approximate to 50-80; median F-ROH approximate to 0.11). Finally, the haplotype-based analysis suggested that animals from the breeding program had higher shared coancestry levels than those from the other two populations. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the genetic diversity and structure of Sweden's three main farmed rainbow trout populations, which could guide their future management.

Automated summary

This study investigated the genetic diversity and structure of Sweden's three main farmed rainbow trout populations. The findings suggest similar levels of genetic diversity among the populations, with two industry populations showing genetic similarity. Genetic differentiation based on the F-ST fixation index was higher between the industry populations and the breeding program. The study provides valuable insights for the future management of these populations.