New SAAVI Hybrid! Fil-Am Aquaculturist Breeds New Tilapia Line

One year after we started the construction of a small Multi-Species Hatchery in our farm in Kidapawan City, Fil-Am farmer-scientist Rocky French has developed a new Tilapia Hybrid with good growth rate.
Rocky started breeding two local Tilapia species which we acquired from the BFAR Hatchery in USM Kabacan, Cotabato and from the farm of former DILG Secretary Mike Sueno.
The two species were reared and bred in the hatchery built by the Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures Inc. (SAAVI).
Rocky, who spent over 30 years breeding Tilapia in California, said the primary purpose of crossing the two two species is to prevent inbreeding.
Inbreeding is the main culprit in the deterioration of the size of Tilapia raised in ponds which causes losses for farmers.
“Kung continuous inbreeding, you will later have Tilapia as big as “Sapsap,” Rocky said.
By cross-breeding BFAR males over Sueno females and reverse, Rocky observed faster growth.
Our original plan actually was to acquire outstanding breeding materials from Tanzania, particularly the Hornurom.
The program had to be deferred because we do not yet have sufficient funds for the trip to Africa.
In the meantime, the still unnamed Hybrid produced by the SAAVI hatchery will be made available to Tilapia growers in small volume before the end of the year.

#KungGustoMaramingParaan!