The cost of host genetic resistance on body condition: Evidence from divergently selected sheep.

ABSTRACT: Trade-offs between host resistance to parasites and host growth or reproduction can occur due to allocation of limited available resources between competing demands. To predict potential trade-offs arising from genetic selection for host resistance, a better understanding of the associated nutritional costs is required. Here, we studied resistance costs by using sheep from lines divergently selected on their resistance to a common blood-feeding gastro-intestinal parasite (Haemonchus contortus). First, we assessed the effects of selection for high or low host resistance on condition traits (body weight, back fat, and muscle thickness) and infection traits (parasite fecal egg excretion and loss in blood haematocrit) at various life stages, in particular during the periparturient perio

SUBMITTER: Douhard F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9488686 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature