The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff\u2019s Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Center of Excellence has started a research collaboration with Infini-SEA LLC, a leading U.S.-based shrimp breeding company, according to Dr. Yathish Ramena, director of the Center. The project aims to drive innovation in the study of shrimp and other marine species by exploring bioactive compounds, alternative ingredients, genetics and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance aquaculture sustainability and productivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cInfini-SEA is led by CEO Jim Collins, who has more than 25 years of experience working with shrimp and fish production systems and genetic programs, and Dr. Jaros \u2018Omm\u2019 Phinchongsakuldit, chief scientific officer (CSO), who has decades of experience in population genetics and gene expression,\u201d Dr. Ramena said. \u201cInfini-SEA is dedicated to developing and producing top-tier specific pathogen free (SPF) Penaeus vannamei (Pacific whiteleg shrimp) broodstock, nauplii and post-larvae (PL), ensuring superior genetic traits and disease resistance. The company has a strong focus on selective breeding, integrating cutting-edge genomic selection techniques to refine and enhance shrimp genetic lines that are resilient and high performing. Their work aligns with UAPB\u2019s commitment to advancing aquaculture science through research and technological innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n
To support its selective breeding programs, Infini-SEA has developed a set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels, which are genetic markers that provide insights into shrimp diversity and performance. These panels were developed using next-generation sequencing technologies and funded in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (award NA20OAR0210093).<\/p>\n
\u201cInfini-SEA also works closely with its clients to gather phenotypic data from field trials conducted across a variety of locations and production systems,\u201d Dr. Ramena said. \u201cThis real-world data is integrated into the company\u2019s evaluation of breeding values, helping to guide and refine each generation of shrimp for specific traits such as growth, survival and disease resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through this partnership, UAPB researchers and students will gain hands-on experience with Infini-SEA\u2019s advanced approaches to breeding program management, system design and genetic selection. The collaboration will focus on three key areas:<\/p>\n
Bioactive compounds and alternative feed ingredients \u2013 investigating natural compounds and sustainable feed alternatives that promote shrimp health and growth.<\/p>\n
Genetic research \u2013 applying genomic tools and phenotypic data analysis to advance selective breeding for improved disease resistance, environmental adaptability and production efficiency.<\/p>\n
AI integration \u2013 using artificial intelligence to monitor shrimp development in real time, optimize hatchery performance and support data-driven breeding strategies.<\/p>\n
According to Dr. Ramena, shrimp farming is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global aquaculture, with increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality seafood. This partnership will support the global industry by developing improved breeding techniques, disease-resistant shrimp and more efficient, sustainable production methods.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa lead global shrimp production, innovations from this collaboration have the potential to benefit producers worldwide, but particularly here in the U.S.,\u201d he said. \u201cThis partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance shrimp aquaculture through scientific research and technological advancements. By combining our academic expertise with their breeding and production capabilities, we can help shape the future of sustainable seafood.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pursuant to 7 CFR Section 15.3, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, 1890 Research and Extension Programs, offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff\u2019s Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Center of Excellence has started a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14172,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[200,79],"class_list":["post-14171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-genetics","tag-genetics","tag-science"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14171"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14171\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}