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In this study, a microsatellite-based multiplex PCR panel for meagre (Argyrosomus regius) was developed as a useful and single tool in parental assignment and population studies. Twenty-one specific and interspecific microsatellites from different aquaculture species of meagre (Argyrosomus regius), Japanese meagre (A. japonicus), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and yellow meagre (Acoupa weakfish) were assessed for genetic variability, allelic range and genotype reliability. Finally, a SuperMultiplex for Argyrosomus regius (SMAr) was designed with only the best eight microsatellite markers. The panel assessment was performed using a batch of brood stock from one company and a sample of 616 offspring. It was possible to assign 95% of the offspring to a single pair of parents using the exclusion method. It is therefore considered an easy procedure, and a powerful and low-cost tool for parental assignment to support companies' breeding programs and to exchange information between research groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lymphocystis disease (LCD) is a viral infection with a high economic impact in gilthead sea bream aquaculture. In this study, genetic estimates associated with lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) disease susceptibility and growth were determined in sea bream juveniles. Two fish batches (named batch 1 and batch 2) were built from mass spawning and reared under industrial conditions until disease outbreak. At the moment of the sampling (n = 500 specimens for each batch), all animals had the typical LCDV lesions in the skin. For phenotyping, animals were weighted and photographed for image analysis (surface covered and lesion intensity). LCDV DNA copies were quantified in the liver by qPCR. Batch 1 had a higher surface covered and lesion intensity than batch 2, and the body caudal region was the lowest affected region in both batches. The average LCDV DNA copies in liver were higher in the batch 1 than batch 2, and they were positively correlated with severity index (SI) categories (r² = 0.90-0.94). The total number of families evaluated were 150 and 128 for batch 1 and batch 2, respectively, with a high bias in offspring contribution by family and broodstock. Heritabilities for weight and length were 0.18 and 0.14 in batch 1 and 0.06 and 0.05 in batch 2, respectively. Heritability for the number of viral DNA copies was low (<0.08) in both batches. Heritabilities for SI in binary scale were 0.32/0.33 and 0.21/0.24 (underlying liability/Bayesian approach) for batch 1 and batch 2, respectively. Genetic correlations were very high and positive when growth traits (weight and length) or disease traits (LCDV DNA copies and SI) were compared. In contrast, the genetic correlations between growth and disease traits were moderate-high and positive in the batch 1 but negative in batch 2. These results indicate the genetic selection for LCDV susceptibility and growth is feasible in sea bream juveniles, although estimates are highly dependent on the age. The information provided is relevant to designing selective breeding programs in sea bream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]