Genetic cause of the disease ichthyosis in Swedish red polled cattle

Background

In recent years, at least three calves have been born (stillborn) with the skin disease ichthyosis in the cattle breed Swedish red polled. Since it is an endangered breed, it is a major problem if the hereditary disease were to become common in the breed. The disease has been described in some breeds of cattle from other countries and there are mutations in a gene described.

Purpose

The purpose of the project is to find the gene change that causes ichthyosis in Swedish red polled cattle and investigate how common it is in the breed and in other Swedish cattle breeds.

Project description

In the project, the gene changes that have been reported to cause ichthyosis in some other breeds of cows will be examined in Swedish red polled to investigate whether any of these are present in the breed and whether there is an association with the disease. The project will include laboratory work with DNA and statistical analyses of the results.

Specifications

Suitable for: veterinary medicine, animal science, biology