Effect of Ovar-DRA and Ovar-DRB1 genotype in small ruminants with haemonchosis

The effect of Ovar-DRA and Ovar-DRB1 genotypes on faecal egg count (FEC) was determined in sheep and goats infected with Haemonchus contortus. One hundred and forty-three sheep from 3 different breeds (St. Croix, Katahdin and Dorper) and 150 goats from three different breeds (Spanish, Boer and Kiko) were used. Parasitological (FEC), haematological (packed cell volume) and immunological (IgA, IgG and IgM) parameters were measured. Sheep populations showed a higher FEC and humoural response than goat breeds. Genotypes were determined by high-resolution melting assays and by conventional PCR. For Ovar-DRA, sheep and goats carrying the AA genotype showed significant lower FEC than AG and GG genotypes. The additive effect was found to be 115.35 less eggs per gram of faeces for the A allele for goats. For Ovar-DRB1, only in sheep, the GC genotype was associated with low FEC. The additive effect was 316.48 less eggs per gram of faeces for the G allele, and the dominance effect was 538.70 less eggs per gram of faeces. The results indicate that single nucleotide polymorphisms within Ovar-DRA and Ovar-DRB1 could be potential markers to be used in selection programmes for improving resistance to Haemonchus contortus infection.