Genetic screening of FecB, Fec X G and Fec X I mutations and their linkage with litter size in Barki and Rahmani sheep breeds

• Published in: Reproduction in domestic animals 2017-12, Vol.52 (6), p.1133-1137
• Main Authors: El‐Seedy, AS, Hashem, NM, El‐Azrak, KM, Nour El‐Din, ANM, Ramadan, TA, Taha, TA, Salem, MH
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0936-6768; 1439-0531
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.13002

Characterization of fecundity genes offers the opportunity to improve production efficiency, and the consequent increase in litter size in livestock industry, through utilizing them in breeding programs. The main objective of this study was to detect the BMPR ‐ IB , BMP 15 and GDF 9 gene mutations and to investigate whether these mutations are associated with litter size in Egyptian sheep breeds. To achieve this goal, 73 adult ewes representing Barki ( n  = 33) and Rahmani ( n  = 40) breeds were used. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism ( PCR ‐ RFLP ) screening approach was used to detect the presence of FecB, Fec X G and Fec X I mutations in the two selected breeds. Results of this study showed that the three different candidate gene mutations, namely FecB , Fec X G and Fec X I are not present among these selected populations of the Egyptian breeds. Further studies regarding other mutations and/or other genes, which may influence ovulation rate, should be carried out to determine the type and mode of inheritance of such genes in Egyptian sheep breeds.