SaMSTNb23 and SaMSTNb33: Emerging Markers for Growth Traits in Huchen (Hucho hucho, Linnaeus, 1758)

Huchen or Danube salmon (Hucho hucho, Linnaeus, 1758) is an economically and ecologically valuable salmonid species, among the most endangered fish species inhabiting the Danube basin. Consequently, appropriate conservation measures are required to prevent the species extinction. Although H. hucho is a poorly studied species, there are several studies on other salmonid species regarding fast growth markers. Following these studies, the main purpose of the current study was to determine growth-related SNPs in myostatin gene in H. hucho. Therefore, we analysed 20 aquaculture individuals of same age separated in two groups according length and weight, by sequencing the amplification product of SaMSTNb23 and SaMSTNb33 primers pairs. We also statistically analysed the differences in the development of individuals over time regarding total length, weight and head length. Significantly variations were observed (p < 0.001) for the measured traits in both groups. Regarding the genetic analysis, we observed nine SNPs in the mstn gene structure. Considering these results, it appears that the analysed markers are not appropriate for genetic analysis of growth traits in H. hucho. To extend gene expression pattern analysis, other markers are recommended for further evaluation.