Improved selective breeding for disease resistance in aquaculture species – novel statistical methods

Aims:

1. Develop and adapt statistical models for utilization of indicator traits for chronically diseased fish in challenge tests and field data. Such models may be used in selective breeding for improved disease resistance and robustness.
2. Develop statistical models and software for calculation of breeding values for the properties susceptibility (susceptible / not susceptible) and longevity (time until death for susceptible animals) based on challenge tests data for various diseases, and optimize the test-design with the aim of identifying non-susceptible individuals.