Analyzing the sheep genome for parasite resistance

Genetic resistance to a parasitic nematode that infects sheep has been discovered by a team of agricultural scientists. The researchers are the first to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL), genetic locations on chromosomes, for resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites in a double-backcross population derived from African native sheep. The parasites, common in tropical regions, cause significant economic and production losses in Africa each year. Sheep infected with parasites suffer from diarrhea, anemia, weight loss and sometimes death.

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