Genetic polymorphism of microsatellite loci in MHC class II exon 2 gene and its association with endoparasitic infestation, predominantly<i>Haemonchus contortus</i>in Salem black goat

MHC gene is highly polymorphic and plays central molecule in immune system in recognition of pathogens and parasites. The present study examined the variability of MHC class II DRB exon 2 gene using microsatellite analysis, and its association with Haemonchus contortus infestation in Salem Black goat population. Animals were naturally exposed to mixed infestation of endoparasites, predominantly Haemonchus contortus. Pooled fecal coproculture and larval identification showed predominant presence of haemonchus (L3) larva. Fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV) were used as indicator traits. All the three studied loci, OarCP73, DYA, and ODRB1.2, were polymorphic having three, four, and four alleles and four, eight, and nine genotypes, respectively. The loci showed low to moderate values of polymorphic information content. The mean fecal egg count estimates were 477.12 ± 34.14 eggs per gram of feces and the mean PCV values were within the normal range; however, they showed negative correlation with FEC values. All the three microsatellite loci and the effect of genotypes on indicator traits were found to be statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The present study will be helpful in selection and breeding of goats for Haemonchosis resistance.