Association of polymorphisms of the β‐defensin 1 gene with nematode and protozoan infection traits in goat

Abstract

Summary This study's purpose was to identify polymorphisms (SNP) in the goat β‐defensin 1 gene and to associate these SNPs with traits related to nematodean and protozoan infections in Anglo‐Nubian goats from semiarid region of Brazil. A total of 184 animals were used for DNA extraction, PCR and DNA automatic sequencing. The association analyses included the fixed effects of animal age, bloodline and genotype of the SNP marker in the statistical model. The means of genotypes were compared by the Fisher test (P < 0.05). Twelve polymorphism genotypes were found: two in intron 1, seven in exon 2 and three in 3′ untranslated region. The SNPs of exon 2 were responsible for amino acid substitutions in six genetic codes, and the changes in the 25th and 33rd codes affected the protein function. The SNP 1937 was significantly associated with number of protozoan oocysts, whereas SNP 2001 was associated with degree of anaemia (Famacha©). Polymorphism 2046, in turn, showed a significant association with Famacha© degree and number of protozoan oocysts. SNP 2140 associated with maximum EPG of the animal. Results from this study suggest that the β‐defensin 1 gene can be used as a molecular marker for selection of goats regarding the susceptibility to endoparasites infections.

Características Termorreguladoras De Ovinos Da Raça Dorper Criados Em Condições Climáticas De Meio-Norte Do Brasil / Thermoregulatory Characteristics of Dorper Sheep Reared in Climatic Conditions in the Mid-North Region of Brazil

“…A ovinocultura tem se consolidado nas últimas décadas como uma importante atividade de produção animal no Brasil, servindo como fonte de renda para os produtores e como meio para a diminuição do êxodo rural (MAIA et al, 2019). De acordo com dados atuais do IBGE (2018) o rebanho nacional de ovinos alcançou 18.948.934 milhões de cabeças.…”