Genomic evaluation of resistance to Haemonchus contortus in a South African Dohne Merino flock

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to use genome-wide SNP data to investigate phenotypic and genetic differences in resistance to Haemonchus contortus between resistant and susceptible South African Dohne Merino sheep. The participating farm (Wauldby) has a history of heavy H. contortus challenge and implemented a selection strategy for resistance to H. contortus in 2011. Faecal egg count (FEC), body condition scores (BCS) and Famacha© scores (FAM) were recorded annually on lambs from weaning in January until the end of June from 2011 to 2014. Animals with FAM scores of ≥ 2.5 or BCS scores