Genetic diversity of calpastatin gene and its association with some biochemical parameters in sheep

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity of calpastatin (CAST) gene and its possible effect on some blood biochemical parameters associated with meat quality in sheep. By using the PCR-RFLP method were genotyped 117 animals from two sheep breeds – Ascanian Merino (AM) and Northeast Bulgarian Merino (NEBM). Several blood biochemical parameters were studied: ALT (alanine aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), creatinine, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), and urea. Polymorphism in the CAST gene was found in both studied breeds. The results showed statistically significant differences between levels of AST, LDH, and urea and different genotypes in the CAST gene in Northeast Bulgarian Merino and Ascanian Merino sheep breeds.

Keywords

• calpastatin (cast)
• pcr-rflp
• genetic diversity
• blood biochemical parameters