Tilapia fry survival in the early phase of nursing from fry to fingerling is heritable.
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Survival trait can be improved through selection.
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The maternal and common full-sib effects on early survival were significant in the present population.
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Genetic correlation between survival at 20 day of nursing and survival at fingerling stage was high and positive.
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Selection to improve survival at 20 day of nursing is also expected to increase number of fingerling.