Selective breeding and preliminary commercial performance of Penaeus vannamei for resistance to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has caused significant economic losses in shrimp farming industry. In this paper, WSSV was injected into Penaeus vannamei and the survivors were used for breeding of WSSV-resistant broodstock. During year 2002 to 2007, 120 full-sib WSSV-resistant families were established. Experimental WSSV challenging tests showed that the survival rates of generation 2 (G2), G3, G4 and G5 were 5.57 ± 9.83%, 7.78 ± 10.89%, 9.52 ± 8.84% and 13.79 ± 11.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the time-until-death prolonged gradually from G2 to G5. Shrimps with the highest WSSV resistance from G4 families were selected and assayed for commercial performance in outdoor ponds. In commercial outdoor ponds, the survival rate, production and harvest body weight of these shrimps were 25.33%, 82.14% and 34.51% higher than those of unselected shrimps, respectively, and the feed coefficient was 13.86% lower. Thus, the WSSV resistance and commercial performance of these shrimps have been apparently improved.

► During year 2002 to 2007, 120 WSSV-resistant shrimp families were established.
► After selective breeding, P. vannamei survival rate after WSSV challenge increased.
► In commercial ponds, selected shrimp showed higher production and harvest weight.