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Fighting sheep worms with genomics
24 May 2004
Two CSIRO Livestock Industries research teams are using leading-edge technology to identify genes that enable sheep to resist intestinal parasites. The identification of these genes could lead to new products, control strategies, and markers to identify superior animals in selective breeding programs, which will substantially improve the overall health and welfare of the national flock.
The Brisbane and Armidale CSIRO teams' $30m Sheep Genomics Program is jointly supported by Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation. The researchers will use modern genetic technologies - such as microarrays and the real-time polymerase chain reaction - to determine the expression level of genes in worm-resistant and susceptible sheep.
The CSIRO teams will work closely together to conduct detailed complementary molecular genetic analyses on sheep produced from selectively bred nematode-resistant flocks at Armidale. The Armidale team will also provide the necessary parasitological and immunological expertise for both projects. Gene expression that is consistently different between resistant and susceptible animals will be targeted for further study.
CSIRO Media Release, 18/5/04.
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