The effect of PRP genotype on growth of rams on test station

Abstract

The frequencies of alleles on PrP locus and its effect on growth of rams were studied in Jezersko solčavska and improved Jezersko solčavska breed. Genetic resistance against scrapie depends on genotype on PrP allele. Animals were housed in quarantine at age of approximately 120 days. They were moved to test station where stated with test at the age of 184 days. The procedure was finished at the age of 257 days. During the test the animals were genotypized on the PrP locus. The frequency of the most susceptible allele VRQ was only 3.11 % and of the most resistant allele ARR it was 18.56 %. Daily gains between ages of 120 and 257 days and between 184 and 257 days were not influenced by PrP genotype. The PrP genotype influenced only daily gain between birth and age of 257 days. ARR allele as heterozygote in combination with other alleles showed good growth performances. The ARR homozygotes grew slower in comparison with other genetic combinations, but the differences in comparison to the other genotypes were not significant with exception of live period daily gain.