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JORDBRUK-Jord, planter og husdyr

More than 100 generations of selection for litter size in mice. Components of improved fertility. Balance between selection and inbreeding.

Awarded: NOK 1.8 mill.

The long-term selection experiment for litter size is one of the long lasting in the world (selection for more than 100 generations, production of more than 25000 litters). Selection experiments with limited population sizes are influenced by generic drif t and inbreeding. A conservative estimate of the inbreeding level of the lines selected for litter size is indicating 70-85 percent; an extreme high level. Inbreeding depression as function of "old" or "new" inbreeding will be investigated through these u nique data. Highly inbred animals will be produced and inbreeding depression in "new inbreeding" will be studied compared to the inbreeding depression from "old" inbreeding. The main question is how the lines have survived and produced the high number of pups with this high inbreeding. The Ph.D.-work will produce new knowledge on balance inbreeding-selection. The components of litter size (ovulation rate and embryo survival) will be studied in a separate experiment comparing these traits in the selectio n and control line (selection line with 23 live born pups and control line with 10 pups). A study period at University of Sydney will include laboratory work in one of the most reputed mouse laboratories in the world.

Funding scheme:

JORDBRUK-Jord, planter og husdyr

Thematic Areas and Topics

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