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Gastrointestinal strongylosis (GIS) is a major pathological constraint for small ruminants in grazing systems, particularly in humid tropical areas. In recent years, the strategy of parasite eradication has evolved towards a logic of manipulating host-parasite balances. Genetic resistance to gastrointestinal strongles is part of this new approach and plays an essential role in complementing less long-term strategies. For more than 15 years, the INRA-URZ team in Guadeloupe has been working on evaluating the genetic variability available for selection on the trait of GIS resistance in Creole goats and on proposing tools to implement a genetic improvement scheme in this small population. A QTL detection device has been designed with the Illumina goat SNP50 Beadchip genome-wide high density chip. The objective is to detect QTLs related to the genetic control of resistance and resilience traits. These QTLs will be validated and their position precised based on transcriptomic data, and analyses of candidate genes involved in the immune response (closely associated with genetic resistance), both at the transcript (RNA) and protein level. Molecular modelling by homology will make it possible to identify genes translated into dysfunctional proteins. The value of these omics data will be evaluated to optimize the selection objective available for this Creole goat population.

A particular funding opportunity concerns students declaring their taxes in Guadeloupe.

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