A Batch Code
Written by Russell McAndrews
One of the not so minor tasks towards developing a stud book for fishes is that of tagging individual animals. Having spent considerable time addressing this tagging problem, I have come to the conclusion that there really is no way to practically and effectively tag the number and size of the animals in the SSP. The method of “batch coding” was settled on as part of an global gene pool maintenance system. The numbering system and the codes involved are standard throughout the program.
Each batch or spawn has a number detailed as follows. This position enables tanks to be labeled (instead of fish), while still providing tracking of the most exact nature. Eventually each batch will be sexually separated. When the time comes to outbreed with other confirmed gene pools, incoming males are mixed with and easily separated from in-house females.
1. GENERATION - 2 digit generation code (F1, F2, etc.), this begins with 0 to indicate wild stock and as the derived generation enter double digit’s the “F” could be dropped. Also, “-1” equals “unknown”.
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2. SOURCE - A one digit source code should be used to readily convey the particular lineage, (L = Leiden; S = Selbrink). There are a few actual sources of founder stock and I have chosen a letter in this example. This is not meant to include collection location.
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3. SPECIES - This needs to be standardized at 8 digits, potentially less. Use the first 8 letters of the Species or the first 7 letters & a country code if necessary, (rock krU/rock KrK for the Ugandan/Kenyan populations).
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4. DATE - Date on which the batch was released or stripped from the female. Alternately, the date on which the fish entered the program.
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5. SPAWN - Batch code for multiple spawn of the same species per day.
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6. INSTITUTION - Location of institution where the fish where bred or entered the program, this is a two digit alpha numeric code, (00 = COLUM - Columbus Zoo). This is a tracking code not a source code. It is updated each generation so that it corresponds to the date code, e.g., if a species enters the program and New England Aquarium and subsequently is bred at Toledo the adults would carry the NEAq code and the fry the Toledo code.
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