IngentaConnect Evaluation of the present breeding programme against copper toxic...

Authors: Proschowsky, H. F.¹; Olsen, J. B.¹; Jepsen, B.¹; Fredholm, M.¹

Source: Animal Genetics, Volume 34, Number 2, April 2003 , pp. 142-145(4)

Abstract:

Summary

A breeding programme to eradicate copper toxicosis in Danish Bedlington terriers has been established based on a DNA marker test. Genotyping of both parents is compulsory and after 1 January 2000, only homozygous non-carriers are used for breeding. In this study, two groups of Bedlington terriers were genotyped at 18 microsatellite loci. One group represented the original population of Bedlington terriers before introducing the breeding programme (n = 23); the other represented a group of homozygous non-carriers (n = 24) available for breeding after year 2000. Allele numbers, allele frequencies, observed heterozygosities (H_o), expected heterozygosities (H_e), locus-specific coefficients of inbreeding (F_l) and Nei's genetic distance (D) was calculated. Individual coefficients of inbreeding (F_i) were calculated from the pedigrees and an assignment test was performed. Four rare alleles were lost in the group of homozygous non-carriers. No significant differences were observed between the mean values of allele numbers, H_o, H_e, F_l and F_i of the two populations of dogs. Nei's genetic distance between the two populations was 0.06 and 88% of the homozygous non-carriers were assigned correctly in the assignment test. The overall diversity of the breed was low (H_o = 0.41) and the breeders were advised to include the heterozygous carriers again.

Keywords: copper toxicosis; dog breed; genetic variation; heterozygosity; microsatellite

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2052.2003.00964.x

Affiliations: 1: Division of Animal Genetics, Department of Animal Science and Animal Health, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$50.16 plus tax Refund Policy

Evaluation of the present breeding programme against copper toxicosis in Danish Bedlington terriers