Multiple effects of an additional growth hormone gene in adult sheep

Molecular genetics provides an increasing capacity to modulate the function of individual genes, but the practical implications of these technologies are still poorly understood. This study examined adult Merino or Merino-cross sheep that had an additional copy of the ovine GH gene with a modified metal-lothionine promoter, which resulted in a doubling of the plasma concentration of GH. Previous work showed that up to the age of 18 mo, GH sheep grew faster and had less s.c. fat, with only minor effects on fleece production. The present paper describes characteristics of reproduction, wool production, and animal health of these sheep during the following 2 yr of adult life. Ewes with the GH gene had a greater ovulation rate (1.78 vs. 1.35; P <0.05), but bore fewer lambs, apparently due to greater fetal loss after mating. Grease fleece weight was increased (P <0.05) due mainly to a greater content of suint (9.1 vs. 7.7 +/- 0.4%, P <0.01), which was associated with a deeper color of the raw wool. Effects on clean fleece weight and fiber diameter were not consistent between years. The GH sheep had swollen metatarsal and metacarpal joints, which was associated with a need for more frequent hoof-trimming, and more GH than control sheep died during the experiment (P <0.001). All of these changes are consistent with previously reported effects of increased plasma GH. Results of this study show that increased activity of a single gene (GH) affected several production characteristics and predisposed the animals to a number of distinct health problems, some of which developed after the normal age of genetic selection.