Uso da seleção genômica na avaliação genética para resistência ao carrapato em bovinos de corte

Abstract

In tropical environmentes, the major hindrance to cattle production are bovine ticks (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus microplus). They are responsible for huge losses on Brazilian economy, rising costs with tratments, equipment and workers, besides production losses due to lower fertility, higher incidence of diseases, and reduction on weight gain and milk yield. Other factor is tick resistance to acaricides, due to indiscriminate use of products, making a smaller choice of control alternatives. These consequences have driven research towards alternatives other than chemicals presently used, for the resistance will grow to a point where there will not be any chemical to control ticks. Use of genetics for tick resistance in bovine cattle has shown to be of advantage, because it is a permanent way to control them, and without manufature costs from acaricides. In this manner, it makes possible genetic gain, selecting resistant animals. The aim of the present study is to evaluate bovine resistance to ticks, and to describe new discoveries on molecular genetics, which Will be of great value to identify resistant animals.