Project Number: 5348-32000-019-03
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: May 24, 2002
End Date: May 01, 2007

Objective:
The objectives of this project are to evaluate production and performance characteristics of sheep proven to be homozygous (positive and negative) and heterozygous for the scrapie resistant gene, predict the distribution of scrapie resistant genes in sheep typical to Wyoming, a major sheep producing state, and to provide producers with the education and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding concomitant selection for scrapie resistance and economically important production

Approach:
The overriding goal of the project is to eliminate the potential risk associated with scrapie susceptibility while maintaining an economically viable sheep industry. ARS, APHIS, and the cooperators have collaborated on a model scrapie control program based on live animal testing and scrapie susceptibility genetics. The current project investigates the feasibility of developing scrapie free flocks by increasing the availability and number of breeding animals of the lower susceptibility genotype. This approach depends on the fitness of these sheep in several key parameters including lamb and wool production, growth characteristics of lambs, and an adequate supply of high quality rams with the lower susceptibility genotype. These parameters will be determined for flocks of sheep owned by a university, by ARS, and by private producers. Methodology and statistical analysis will be coordinated with similar studies conducted in Ireland. BSL-1; 9-4-02. Documents SCA with U. of Wyoming.

Project Team

O'Rourke, Katherine Knowles, Donald - Don Robert Stobart - Associate Professor, Animal Science Dept, Uofwy 509/335-6020

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Animal Health (103)