Study on reproduction of genetically polled goats

Study on reproduction of genetically polled goats

In contrast to other bovine species the trait polledness in goats is connected with intersexuality in homozygous, genetically female individuals – Polled-intersexuality-syndrome (PIS). Two structural variants on goat’s chromosome 1 are associated with PIS. On the one hand, a long known deletion (Pailhoux et al. 2001) is involved and on the other hand a recently examined segmental duplication which is inserted inversely into the PIS-associated deletion (AG Lühken examined with the collaboration of AG Drögemüller, University of Bern). Until now, it has not been known whether all of the genetically female, homozygous polled goats are infertile or not. Therefore it is the main aim of the study to screen a huge amount of these individuals without phenotypical signs of hermaphroditism regarding their reproductivity. Furthermore, the comparison of fertility performance of homo- and heterozygous bucks is planned to answer the question if PIS influences male reproductivity in goats as well. The results of the study are expected to contribute to promoting the breeding for polledness in Austrian goat population. Thereby it is expected to decrease the rate of dehorning in mid-term or rather make dehorning superfluous in long-term to meet the needs of animal welfare.

(Side note: In contrast to German legislation mechanic dehorning of goat kids is still legal in Austria at the moment.)

Funding: Käserei Stift Schlierbach GMBH&CO KG und Bio-Genossenschaft Schlierbach reg.Gen.mbH
Duration of the project: 11/18-10/19