Project Grant 20246701541795

This $650,000 Project Grant award from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (CFDA 10.310) will support research at Auburn University to genetically improve channel catfish and channel catfish/blue catfish hybrids. The key objectives are to enhance traits like growth, feed efficiency, disease resistance, body composition, texture, and reproduction that benefit the catfish industry, from hatcheries to processors to consumers. The research will utilize transgenesis, gene-editing, and interspecific hybridization approaches, with a focus on developing methods for reversible genetic sterilization to mitigate environmental risks. The five-year project aims to maximize genetic enhancement of these important aquaculture species.