Selection for behavior and correlation with the macroglobuline and lypoproteine systems in the American mink (Neovison vison)

Abstract

A population-genetic comparison between mink populations with tame and aggressive behavior was performed. Six allotypes of the Lpm system, the AIM alpha macroglobulin, and two allotypes of the Ld system, a homologue of APOB low-density lipoprotein, were analyzed. The pairwise compared groups differed in markers Lpml, Lpm3, Lpm5, and Lpm10. Alleles with allotypes Lpml and Lpm3 were significantly associated with aggressive behavior, whereas allele Lpm non-10 was associated tame behavior. No statistically significant differences in the frequencies of Ldl and Ld2 allotypes of the Ld low-density lipoprotein system have been found.