In 1993, scientists at Rutgers University invented a new type of polyploid oyster — tetraploids — which contain four complete sets of chromosomes (4C). Unlike triploid shellfish, tetraploids are fully fertile.

Using a proprietary, patented, process, 4Cs Breeding Technologies Inc. produces and nurtures tetraploid brood stock.

Males are identified from our select brood stock lines and sacrificed for their sperm. The sperm from our tetraploid males is naturally diploid (2C), instead of haploid (1C) as it would be from typical diploid males.

The diploid sperm is added to haploid eggs from the customer's normal diploid brood stock. No induction treatment is used. The resulting zygotes are genetically triploid, with two sets of chromosomes contributed by the sperm and one set contributed by the egg.

4Cs Natural Triploids have all of the advantages of induced triploids, in the hatchery and in the field, with none of the drawbacks:

4Cs Natural Triploids are genetically 100% triploid.

4Cs Natural Triploid larvae suffer no mortality from treatment effects, because they are derived naturally by genetic mating.

4Cs Natural Triploid eyed larvae have a dark color, large size and high setting efficiency.

Licensing through 4Cs provides brood stock for spawning and we can provide technical assistance in the hatchery. Research and development is underway to develop protocols for distribution of cryopreserved sperm from tetraploids.

HOME