The Genetics of The Winterborne Strain of Rainbow Trout
Hans Hoff began his genetic journey with Rainbow Trout in 2004, hoping to ‘forensically select’ (Han’s words) rainbow trout to improve growth and sustainability. The Winterborne strain is still the first and only genetically selected rainbow trout strain in the UK and Hans managed to achieve a truly remarkable average gain in growth of the trout 51.9% between 2004 and 2020.
Whilst studying performance and appearance using Genetic Fingerprint techniques, Hans looked out for inbreeding and the risk of a producing fattier fish, rather than fish that were able to convert feed without laying it down as fat. Fish were also tested for performance, eliminating those with the potential for cardiac defects and deformities in each new generation.
The Feed
Hans Hoff’s genetic selection techniques also had some extra benefits.
Aquaculture is often blamed for using high amounts of wild fish in their feed to sustain the health of their farmed fish (usually in the form of fish oil and fish meal). Through their extensive genetic testing, Hans was able to identify those fish that took on weight faster and more efficiently and Houghton Springs Trout Farm were able to begin to use a feed with a higher proportion of vegetable matter in its formulation.
As a result, the Winterborne strain has at least a 30% decrease in ‘wild fish input’ overall.
This efficiency in the fish also resulted in an enhanced yield of long chain Omega3 fatty acids (approx. 50% higher levels of EPA and DHA Omega3 fatty acids) compared with the average farmed trout.
As a result, our fish are of the highest quality with incredible nutritional value. From eggs to fish, Winterborne Houghton Springs Trout Farm has revived the UK rainbow trout, sustainably removing any domesticated traits and returning it back in line with its wild ancestors.
Combining the genetics with the abundance of clean, fresh water from The Winterborne springs, our fish have an incredible flavour and arrive clear of any of the mud and sediment usually associated with farmed trout.
We sell eggs, fry and fingerlings ready to grow on, stock for Sporting as well as premium quality fish for market and for restaurants. We can provide fish in the round, gutted (including special preparation method, Ike Jime, perfect for sushi) and at specified weights.
Our usual sizes are:
- 400g to 600g
- + 2kg
- + 3kg
We can also pre-smoke the fish, working with local smokeries for cold or hot smoked fish.
