Using Weighted Goal Programming Model to Achieve Genetic Gain in a Beluga Sturgeon Breeding Program

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Animal Genetics
• Fisheries Science

Background:

• Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) aquaculture is significant, yet genetic improvement strategies require clear trait prioritization.
• Understanding farmer preferences is essential for effective breeding program design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate desired genetic gains for important Beluga sturgeon traits.
• To determine the economic importance and preferences for genetic improvement traits among farmers.

Main Methods:

• Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Goal Programming (WGP) were employed.
• Two-stage questionnaires surveyed 122 Iranian Beluga sturgeon farmers.
• Trait preferences were quantified using individual, social, and consensus values.

Main Results:

• Ovarian fat lobe weight (OFW) and total caviar weight (CW) were identified as highly preferred traits.
• Body weight of broodstock (BW) and larval body area at hatching (LBA) also showed significant preference.
• Calculated desired genetic gains were highest for BW (2.09%) and CW (1.88%).

Conclusions:

• This research successfully determined the economic importance of traits for Beluga sturgeon.
• The study provides a framework for multi-trait selection in Beluga sturgeon breeding programs.
• Prioritizing traits like caviar weight and broodstock body weight can enhance aquaculture efficiency.