As global aquaculture continues to expand, genetic innovation is vital to optimizing production, resilience, and sustainability. Benchmark Genetics molecular genetics team, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, leads this advancement with cutting-edge genotyping services tailored to the needs of global aquaculture producers. Genomic data obtained through genotyping allows the aquaculture breeding and production industry to benefit from more efficient genetic improvement and management of their stocks.
Supporting the industry on a Global Scale
Benchmark Genetics launched our genotyping services business early in 2024 and serves multiple clients worldwide. The molecular genetics laboratory offers highly cost-effective genotyping to clients at competitive prices, ensuring access to world-class technology. Dr. Ross Houston, Director of Innovation and Genetics, states, “Our genotyping solutions help the global aquaculture industry benefit from genomic technologies at low prices via improved breeding programs, stock management, and research projects.”
Simple and Cost-Effective Process with High Accuracy
Benchmark’s services encompass everything from DNA extraction to quality-controlled data. Clients ship small tissue samples according to simple instructions, and Benchmark handles the rest, including DNA extraction, the genotyping tool purchase, and the genotyping tool selection. “We pride ourselves on delivering highly accurate and efficient results,” says Dr. Carolina Penaloza, who leads the Molecular Genetics program. “Our experience with hundreds of thousands of samples annually ensures reliability and speed.”
Genotyping for a Wide Range of Aquaculture Species
Benchmark’s genotyping tools support over 30 species, including Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, whiteleg shrimp, and European oyster. These tools suit genomic selection, genome-wide association studies, parentage assignment, and population diversity and structure analysis. We offer high-density SNP arrays for major species, mid-density arrays for emerging species, and customized panels for developing species, enabling producers to meet specific breeding goals.
Bespoke Solutions to Meet Individual Needs
At Benchmark, we specialize in providing customized genotyping solutions designed to meet the specific needs of individual breeding programs. “We work closely with clients to provide the best solutions for their needs, including several partnerships to co-develop tailored genotyping arrays,” explains Dr. Shernae Woolley, a geneticist on Benchmark’s team. This client-focused approach is coupled with the team’s world-leading expertise, which has already designed some of the industry’s most widely used genotyping tools.
Part of Benchmark’s Comprehensive Genetic Services
Benchmark’s genotyping services are part of the broader Genetics Services division, formerly Akvaforsk Genetics. With expertise spanning more than 40 breeding programs across more than 20 species, we provide unmatched technical support in broodstock management and breeding. By integrating genotyping with downstream genomic data analysis, we solidify our position as a comprehensive provider of genetic services for the global aquaculture industry.
For more information, visit www.bmkgenetics.com or contact our team at genotyping.services@bmkgenetics.com
Read more about the service packages offered by Benchmark Genetics Services here.
