Heterozygosity testing and multiplex DNA panel screening as a potential tool to monitor health and inbreeding in a small, closed dog population

S F A Keijser,J Donner,H Fieten,J W Hesselink,M Vos-Loohuis,F G Van Steenbeek,H Anderson,I Scholten,C J Piek,M Nielen

doi:10.1186/s40575-018-0068-6

Abstract

BackgroundSelective breeding in populations with a limited effective population size may result in a loss of genetic diversity, which can cause an increased concentration of specific disease liability genes. The Dutch Shepherd Dog (DSD) in the Netherlands is an example of such a breed with a small effective population.ObjectiveTo evaluate the measurement of genetic diversity and multiplex DNA panel screening for implementation in a breeding strategy for the Dutch Shepherd Dog (DSD) and to investigate the clinical relevance of potentially identified mutations in the multiplex DNA panel screening.ResultsGenome-wide SNP testing showed genetic isolation and reduced genetic diversity within coat variety subgroups of the DSD. Panel screening identified a Von Willebrand’s Disease type I mutation. Although decreased Von Willebrand’s Factor proteins were significantly lower in DSDs carrying the VWD-I allele compared to the wildtype, clinical follow-up did not show a significant association between the clinical phenotype and VWD-I genotype.ConclusionsGenetic relationship measurement within a breed population may be a useful tool to enable breeding strategies to conserve genetic diversity. Results from a disease panel screening need to be evaluated for clinical relevance before breed selection restrictions can be considered.

Highlights

Selective breeding in populations with a limited effective population size may result in a loss of genetic diversity, which can cause an increased concentration of specific disease liability genes
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the measurement of genetic diversity and multiplex DNA panel screening for implementation in a breeding strategy for the Dutch Shepherd Dog (DSD)
Variety crosses are shown in the colour of the genetically confirmed coat variety. c Genetic diversity of the tested population of Dutch Shepherd Dogs

Summary

Introduction

Selective breeding in populations with a limited effective population size may result in a loss of genetic diversity, which can cause an increased concentration of specific disease liability genes. The Dutch Shepherd Dog (DSD) in the Netherlands is an example of such a breed with a small effective population. In small dog breed populations with a limited gene pool, such as the Dutch Shepherd Dog (DSD) population, an active approach to breeding healthy individuals is warranted to maintain genetic diversity for the future. The DSD belongs to the shepherd dog type that originated in the Netherlands in the nineteenth century It is grouped with e.g. the Saarloos wolfdog [4], and is a medium sized breed, measuring 55–62 cm high, and weighing between 23 and 28 kg. The DSD population is thought to have limited genetic diversity, which harbours the risk of health issues related to inbreeding depression or increase of recessive disease in the future [12]

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Discussion

Conclusion