Selection Role on Configuration of Resistance / Susceptibility Degree to Scrapie and on Genetic Diversity at PrP Locus in the Botosani Karakul Sheep Breed

• Main Author: Gheorghe Hrinca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Agroprint Timisoara 2017-05-01
• Series: Scientific Papers Animal Science and Biotechnologies
• Subjects: genetic diversity, prion, real-time pcr, scrapie, sheep.
• Online Access: http://spasb.ro/index.php/spasb/article/view/2283

The molecular-genetic profiles from the determinant locus of scrapie have been described in the Botosani Karakul breed. Sheep belonged to two farm types: elite farm from Research and Development Station for Sheep and Goat Breeding, Popauti-Botosani and several production farms of some private farmers. The two farm types differ between them by selective specificities; in the farm elite the selection pressure is stronger and the selection criteria applied to sheep have been more accuracy than in the production farms. Sheep genotyping at the PrP locus was achieved by the Real-Time PCR method. By framing the individuals in risk classes concerning the prion disease, there were identified significant differences between the two farm types in terms of resistance / susceptibility to scrapie of sheep. The elite farm population is significantly advantaged as regards the molecular-genetic endowment at the PrP locus and low probability converting of the PrPc normal protein in the PrPSc pathogenic isomorph compared to the population of production farms. The reasons for the different associations of prion genotypes with morbid phenomenon intensity in the two farm types must be sought exclusively in the characteristics of selection systems applied to the animals in each farm type. From the standpoint of informational statistics, there is a high degree of genetic similarity at the PrP locus between the two populations. Contrary to expectations, the genetic diversity of prion structures is more developed in the elite farm than in the production farms. The knowing importance of prion profiles was revealed  in pursuit of genetic and veterinary prophylaxis of the sheep populations.