The Scottish based aquaculture genetics company Xelect is marking ten years of business success having established over 30 breeding programmes across 20 species around the world.
This year the company, which was founded in 2013 from a University of St Andrews spinout, was originally focused on Atlantic salmon, but the company has evolved over the years to meet industry-wide needs in genetic selection and salmon farming.
“Aquaculture breeding populations typically have lots of genetic variation, allowing rapid rates of genetic gain,” said Mark Looseley, head of genetics at Xelect.
“Optimate has developed with Xelect and can now deal with most hatchery scenarios, making real-time redesign of mating plans possible.”
Game-changing
Xelect’s proprietary software, Optimate, was a game-changer when it was established, tailored for aquaculture, not terrestrial species.
The genetics programme has the ability to analyse vast quantities of data, from genetic sequencing to thousands of individual trait measurements such as weight, length,and fillet colour.
Combined with expert input, it has enabled sophisticated genetic selection that boosts commercial performance while safeguarding genetic diversity for its customers.
Since its inception, Xelect said it has delivered up to 21% growth gains in seabass and over 19% survival improvements in salmon farming operations.
Now part of Genus Group, Xelect is equipped with cutting-edge R&D capabilities and is expanding its St Andrews laboratory to include a fully automated facility.
“We’re focused on the future,” said Chris Wallard, global head, Xelect.
“From digitalisation to novel phenotyping, we’re preparing for the next decade of aquaculture innovation.”
