Polymorphisms in FSHR and GDF9 loci and their associations with litter size in Zel sheep

Abstract

Follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) both are the most important proteins that affect reproduction process in mammalian. Polymorphism in these genes and their possible relationship with twining trait in Zel (n=150) sheep are investigated in the present study. Blood samples were collected randomly via vein puncture. PCR-RFLP technique for FSHR marker site showed two A and B alleles with the frequency of 93.33 and 6.67 and two genotypes of AA and BB with the frequency of 93.33 and 6.67, respectively. However, the heterozygote AB genotype was not observed in studied samples. There was no significant association between FSHR marker site and twining (lambing per parity). Detection of genetic variation of GDF9 was carried out by PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP technique, respectively. All studied samples had similar banding pattern in both genetic markers and showed wild type homozygote AA genotype. Our finding in Zel breed in the present study along with pervious investigations on other major genes, It can be concluded that the common and major gene affecting reproduction trait are not present in Zel sheep. Therefore, further study is necessary to find a functional gene(s) in this breed.

Keywords

• fshr
• gdf9
• sscp
• rflp
• zel breed