Better Breeding of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) for Small-scale Fish Farmers 
(CARD 002/04VI)
Report
Capacity Development
Christopher M Austrin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai
June 2007
Acknowledgement 
The project team would like to gratefully acknowledgement the funding support by 
AusAID. 
Many people supported this project and special appreciation is extended to Dr 
Nguyen Xuan Ly, Head of Technology and Science department, Ministry of 
Fisheries and Dr Le Thanh Luu, Director, RIA1 for their encouragement, provision 
of facilities and support in conducting this project. 
Deakin University and Charles Darwin University are acknowledged for their 
provision of facilities and in kind support for project activities. 
The success of the training programs would not be possible without the hard work 
and dedication of a number of people. Thus we would also like to extend our 
gratitude to Dr Matthew Baranski (formerly with Deakin University now with 
Akvaforsk, Mr Mark Schultz (Charles Darwin University), Mr Nguyen Huu Ninh, 
Mr Nguyen Xuan Chuc, Mr Ngo Si Van, Mr Le Quang Hung, Ms Nguyen Thi Tan, 
Nguyen Thi Ninh, Mr Tran Vu Hung, Mr Le Anh Thuy, Mr Nguyen Thanh Hai 
(RIA1) and Mr Nguyen Van Gioi and his staff (Thai Nguyen Aquaculture Center, 
Thai Nguyen) for their assistance in relation to the organising of the Thai Nguyen 
workshop. 
The project team would also like to extend its appreciation to all farmers, hatchery 
managers, and community representatives for their cooperation and participation in 
the training activities supported by this project. 
Lastly we would like to thank Ms Nguyen Thi Khoa and staff of CARD project 
office in Hanoi for their ongoing assistance and advice. 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
2
Contents 
List of Figures............................................................................................................3 
List of Tables .............................................................................................................4 
1. Intensive training in molecular genetics for aquaculture in Australia ............5 
1.1 Aims of training ..............................................................................................5 
1.2 Outcomes .........................................................................................................5 
1.3 Benefits of training courses............................................................................6 
1.4 Young research training course reports .......................................................7 
1.4.1 Training course report of Hung and Tan ...................................................7 
1.4.2 Training course report of Mr. Khuong.....................................................10 
1.4.3 Training course report of Mr. Bon...........................................................13 
2. Workshop for young researchers on fish genetics and selective breeding in 
Vietnam........................................................................................................16 
2.1 Aims of training ............................................................................................17 
2.2 Outcomes .......................................................................................................17 
2.3 Benefits of training course ...........................................................................20 
3. Workshops for farmers and hatchery managers on common carp breeding 
and broodstock management.....................................................................26 
3.1 Aims of training ............................................................................................26 
3.2 Outcomes .......................................................................................................27 
3.3 Benefits of training........................................................................................28 
3.4 Suggestions from fish farmers and hatchery managers ............................28 
Appendices...............................................................................................................35 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
3
List of Figures 
Figure 1.1. Young researchers received training at Charles Darwin University in 
2006. From left to right, Mr Dinh Van Khuong and Mr Le Quy Bon. ...........5 
Figure 1.2. Young researchers received training at Deakin University in 2005. Mr 
Le Quang Hung at Deakin University’s Murry Cod hatchery........................5 
Figure 2.1. Participants in the workshop for young researchers...............................16 
Figure 2.2. Young researchers practicing molecular genetic techniques .................19 
Figure 2.3. Teaching fish morphology and methods of computerised data collection
......................................................................................................................20 
Figure 2.4. The four manuals were provided to young researchers participating in 
workshop.......................................................................................................21 
Figure 2.5. Young researchers visited Biotechnology Center in Hanoi ...................21 
Figure 3.1. Training in common carp breeding and broodstock management for 
farmers and hatchery managers held in RIA1 in Bac Ninh and National 
Broodstrock Center in Hai Duong in 2005. ..................................................26 
Figure 3.2. Training in common carp breeding and broodstock management for 
farmers was held in Thai Nguyen Aquaculture Center, in Thai Nguyen city 
in 2006. .........................................................................................................26 
Figure 3.3. Hatchery manager and farmer are shown common carp breeding 
techniques in National Broodstock Center in Hai Duong city......................28 
Figure 3.4. Manual provided for farmer and hatchery manager workshops.............29 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
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List of Tables 
Table 2.1. List of paticipants in workshop................................................................22 
Table 2.2. Workshop programs.................................................................................23 
Table 3.1. List of participants attended training .......................................................30 
Table 3.2. Workshop program 2005 .........................................................................31 
Table 3.3. Workshop programs 2006........................................................................33 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
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Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
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1. Intensive training in molecular genetics for aquaculture in 
Australia 
1.1 Aims of training 
To increase capacity of young Vietnamese researchers to contribute to research and 
development in the field of genetics of brood-stock management, molecular genetics 
and analysis of genetic data using various software programs. 
1.2 Outcomes 
Two comprehensive molecular genetic training courses were carried out at Deakin 
University in 2005 and in Charles Darwin University in 2006. Four young 
Vietnamese researchers received this training: Ms. Nguyen Thi Tan, Mr. Le Quang 
Hung from Research Institute For Aquaculture No 1 (RIA1), Bac Ninh, and Mr Le 
Quy Bon from Research Institute For Aquaculture No 3 (RIA3), Nha Trang, Khanh 
Hoa and Mr Dinh Van Khuong from Nha Trang University, Khanh Hoa. 
Figure 1.1. Young researchers received training at Charles Darwin University in 2006. From left to 
right, Mr Dinh Van Khuong and Mr Le Quy Bon. 
Figure 1.2. Young researchers received training at Deakin University in 2005. Mr Le Quang Hung 
at Deakin University’s Murry Cod hatchery. 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
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The young researchers have been trained in advanced genetic techniques and 
statistical procedures. They practiced in the laboratory common genetic techniques 
used in aquaculture genetic including genotyping microsatellite, sequencing and 
single strain confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. In addition, the 
researchers were trained in the use of number of genetic statistical softwares 
including CLUSTAL X, DNASP 4.0, PAUP* 4.0b.10, TFPGA, GENPOP, BioEdit 
(for more detail see 1.4). 
During the training in Warrnambool, the young researchers also visited the 
Warrnambool Trout farm and the Murry Cod hatchery production facility, Victoria 
and in Darwin they visited the Darwin Aquaculture Center to learn the techniques of 
broodstock and hatchery management in relation to barramundis and mud crabs. 
1.3 Benefits of training courses 
The young researchers gained from their intensive training course in Australia 
significantly improved knowledge and technical skills in genetics in relation to fish 
breeding and population genetic analysis. The knowledge that they gained from the 
course was designed to help benefit their professional career development in 
aquaculture generally and specifically in molecular genetic in relation to fish 
breeding and genetic improvement. After training at Deakin University, Ms Nguyen 
Thi Tan was successful in her application for a Masters scholarship for study in 
aquaculture genetics in Norway. Mr Le Quang Hung has been carrying out Tilapia 
population genetic analysis at RIA1 for development of tilapia suitable for saline 
water culture. Mr Le Quy Bon has been involved in the genetic improvement of fish 
and shellfish programs at RIA3. Lastly, Mr Dinh Van Khuong has been working at 
Nha Trang University as a lecturer in genetics. All have used their increased 
knowledge of fish and aquaculture genetic gain thought their training course. This 
enhanced knowledge and skill has been directly relevant to Ms Tan, Mr. Bon, Mr 
Hung and Khuong as they use genetic on a day to day basis. 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
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Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
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1.4 Young research training course reports 
1.4.1 Training course report of Hung and Tan 
Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development 
Project Name: Better Breeds of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) for Small-
scale Fish Farmers (CARD 002/04VI) 
Report on the short training course in molecular genetics for 
aquaculture at Deakin University in Australia from 31/10/2005 to 
21/12/ 2005 
1. VISITOR DETAILS 
Name: Ms. Nguyen Thi Tan and Mr. Le Quang Hung 
Position: Researcher Assistant 
Address: Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 
 Dinh Bang, Tu Son, Bac Ninh 
 Vietnam 
Telephone: 84-4-8780614 Fax : 84-4-8273070 E-mail: 
[email protected] 
2. VISIT DETAILS 
Date of Arrival : 31 October, 2005 
Date of Departure: 21 December, 2005 
Duration of stay: 50 days 
Institutions to be visited: School of Ecology and Environment 
Deakin University 
P.O. Box 423 
Warrnambool, Victoria, 3280 
AUSTRALIA 
3. PURPOSE OF THE VISIT 
To increase capacity of young researchers and technicians to contribute to research 
and development in the fields of genetics of broodstock management, molecular 
genetics and analysis of data using software programs. 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
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Time table 
Period ( from …….to) Works 
01/11 - 13/12/2005 Extraction of genomic DNA (1200 tissue common carp samples) 
10/11 - 17/12/2005 SSCP and DNA Sequencing analyses 
06/12 - 10/12/2005 Data analysis of sequence 
12/12 - 17/12/2005 Microsatellites 
16/12 - 20/12/2005 Analysis of data from interviews and microsatellites 
4. OUTCOMES 
During our study period in Deakin University, we practiced in Single Strand 
Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP), Sequencing and DNA fingerprinting 
(microsatellites) techniques: 
SSCP and microsatellites techniques including tasks: 
1. DNA extraction 
2. Running PCR with common carp primers ( approx 225 samples) 
3. Preparation of acrylamide gel 
4. Preparation, loading and running of PCR samples 
5. Silver staining to visualise genotypes 
6. Interpretation and scoring bands 
DNA direct sequencing including tasks: 
1. Isolation of DNA 
2. Mix with PCR cocktail 
3. Amplification 
4. Visualise PCR products 
5. Purification 
6. Sequencing 
Data analysis 
DNA sequences were analysed using CLUSTAL X, DNASP 4.0, PAUP* 4.0b.10, 
Modeltest software programs for alignment, calculating haplotype, nucleotide 
diversity, genetic distance, constructing phylogenetic trees of common carp 
populations. 
Microsatellites (DNA fingerprinting) analyses used the GENPOP software program. 
Genetic data analysis included: Estimation of allelic frequencies, genotypic 
frequencies, test for Hardy-Weinberg proportions, measures of genetic variability, 
levels of differentiation among populations and cluster analysis. 
Applications of molecular genetics are used for identifying relationships among 
individuals or groups, helping to understand the demography of populations. These 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
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genetic markers have been used to analyses population structure, genetic diversity 
and provide a scientific fundamental for a breeding program. 
Data collected from 133 interviews with stakeholders growing or breeding carp 
(including state hatcheries, private hatcheries and farmers) from 21 provinces in 
Vietnam were summarized and analysed using the SPSS statistical package. 
We gained from our intensive training course in Australia significantly improved 
knowledge and technical skills in genetics in relation to fish breeding and 
population analysis. The knowledge that we gained from the course should benefit 
professional career and development of aquaculture. 
Acknowledgements 
The authors are thankful to Dr. Chris Austin and Thai T.B, Deakin University, for 
advice and assistance in the molecular techniques. We would also like to thanks Dr. 
Tuan P.A, Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 for your kindness help and 
supports. Thanks to AusAID for financial support. 
SIGNATURE OF VISITORS …………………………Ms. Nguyen Thi 
Tan…………….. 
 …………………………Mr. Le Quang 
Hung..…………….. 
Room 207-208, Building A9, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 
No. 2 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 
Địa chỉ mới của Văn phòng Chương trình CARD: 
Phòng 207-208, Nhà A9, Bộ Nông nghiệp và PTNT, 
Số 2 Ngọc Hà, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
10
1.4.2 Training course report of Mr. Khuong 
Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development 
Project Name: Better Breeds of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) for Small-
scale Fish Farmers (CARD 002/04VI) 
Report on the short training course in molecular genetics for 
aquaculture at Charles Darwin University in Australia from 
01/07/2006 to 28/8/2006 
1. VISITOR DETAILS 
Name: Mr. Dinh Van Khuong 
Position: Lecturer 
Address: University of Fisheries 
 No 2, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street 
 Nha Trang, Vietnam 
Telephone: 84-58-831149 (ext. 171) 
Fax : 84-4-831147 
E-mail: 
[email protected] 
2. VISIT DETAILS 
Date of Arrival : 02 July, 2006 
Date of Departure: 28 August, 2006 
Duration of stay: 58 days 
Institutions to be visited: - School of Science and Primary Industry 
Charles Darwin University 
 - Arafura Timor Research Facility (ATRF) 
P.O. Box 41775, Casuarina 
Darwin, NT, 0811 
AUSTRALIA 
3. PURPOSE OF THE VISIT 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
11
To increase research capacity of young scientists to contribute to research and 
development in the fields of genetics of broodstock management, molecular 
genetics and analysis of data using software programs. 
Time table 
Period ( from …….to) Works 
01/07 - 02/07/2006 Fly from Vietnam to Darwin 
03/07 - 03/07/2006 Visiting Charles Darwin University 
Learning laboratory safety 
04/07 - 17/07/2006 Molecular genetic concept 
Methodologies for DNA-based techniques 
DNA extraction (about a hundred samples) 
18/07-08/08/06 PCR 
Sequencing 
09/08-28/08/06 SSCP techniques 
Phylogenetic analysis (PAUP) 
Genetic population analysis (TFPGA, Genpop 3.2) 
4. OUTCOMES 
During our study period in Charles Darwin University, we practiced in Sequencing 
and Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP): 
DNA direct sequencing including tasks: 
7. Isolation of DNA 
8. Mix with PCR cocktail 
9. Amplification 
10.Visualise PCR products 
11.Purification 
12.Sequencing in ABI 3130 
SSCP technique including tasks: 
7. DNA extraction 
8. Running PCR with common carp primers (approx 100 samples) 
9. Preparation of acrylamide gel 
10. Preparation, loading and running of PCR samples 
11. Silver staining to visualise genotypes 
12. Interpretation and scoring bands 
Data analysis 
DNA sequences were analysed using CLUSTAL X, DNASP 4.0, PAUP* 4.0b.10, 
TFPGA. Modeltest software programs for alignment, calculating haplotype, 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
12
nucleotide diversity, genetic distance, constructing phylogenetic trees of common 
carp populations. 
Applications of molecular genetics are used for identifying relationships among 
individuals or groups, helping to understand the demography of populations. These 
genetic markers have been used to analyses population structure, genetic diversity 
and provide a scientific fundamental for a breeding programs. 
We gained from our intensive training course in Australia significantly improved 
knowledge and technical skills in genetics in relation to fish breeding and 
population analysis. The knowledge that we gained from the course should benefit 
professional career and development of aquaculture. 
Acknowledgements 
I am thankful to Dr. Chris Austin and Thai T.B, Charles Darwin University, for 
advice and assistance in the molecular techniques. We would also like to thank Dr. 
Tuan P.A, Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 for your kindness help and 
supports. Thanks to AusAID for financial support. 
SIGNATURE OF VISITORS ………………………Mr. Dinh Van 
Khuong………….. 
Room 207-208, Building A9, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 
No. 2 Ngoc Ha Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 
Địa chỉ mới của Văn phòng Chương trình CARD: 
Phòng 207-208, Nhà A9, Bộ Nông nghiệp và PTNT, 
Số 2 Ngọc Hà, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 
Better breeding of common carp for small scale fish farmers 
________________________________________________________________ 
Christopher M Austin, Tuan Anh Pham, Binh Thanh Thai 
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1.4.3 Training course report of Mr.