In the present study, a project aimed at establishing
a genetic improvement programme for the
cultured L. vannamei was initiated in 2011, for
which eight strains were introduced from America
and Singapore. Little is known about potential of
heterosis for the diallel crosses of the eight introduced
strains. In addition, the knowledge about
the heritability for the desirable traits of the introduced
strains is crucial for the selective breeding
programme. Under such circumstances, it was
necessary to detect the heterosis and heritability to
ensure that our efforts are directed towards
improving the desirable traits. Consequently, the
aim of this study was to estimate the heterosis and
heritability for the harvest body weight of the
eight introduced strains to investigate the potential
for a cross-breeding and selective breeding to
improve growth in this species.