A genome-wide association study for natural antibodies measured in blood of Canadian Holstein cows.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Natural antibodies (NAb) are an important component of the innate immune system, and fight infections as a part of the first line defence. NAb are poly-reactive and can respond non-specifically to antigens. Therefore, NAb may be a key trait when evaluating an animal's potential natural disease resistance. Variation in NAb is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. In this study genetic parameters of NAb were estimated and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to gain further understanding on the genes that are responsible for the observed genetic variation of NAb in Canadian Holsteins.

Results

In total, blood samples of 1327 cows from 64 farms were studied. NAb binding to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were determined via indirect ELISA.

SUBMITTER: de Klerk B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6150957 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature