Partial genome scan to map quantitative trait loci controlling body weight in baluchi sheep

The goal of This study was identification of QTL controlling body weight in different life stage of Baluchi sheep (Birth، 3، 6، 9، 12 months) using partial genome scan. For this purpose data was collected from 11 half sib families and 8 microsattelite (BM6465، BMS1636، BM4129، BMS2321، BMS2572، BM7145، BMS4008، BM8246) in ovine chromosome. The overall individuals were 434 animals which was grouped in 11 half sib families، The range of with progeny per family was 29-54. Initially respective rams and related offspring’s were genotyped for informative microsatellite markers، and finally eight microsattelite markers were selected for subsequent QTL analysis. For statistical analysis، year، sex، type of birth، age of dam was assumed as fix effect and the day of birth or age at time of measurement was fitted as covariate for each traitin the model. QTL analyses were conducted using a univariate multi-marker for half sib families، for each trait by interval mapping approach using QTL express software. As conclusion three significant QTL was found for this breed. Genome wide permutation indicated significant QTL for birth weight between markers BMS2572 and BM2321 at 171. 8 cM، (P<0. 01)، and for 9 and 12 monthly weights at the 85. 8 and 84. 8 cM، respectively (p<0. 05) between the markers BMS1636 and BM6465. The proportions of phenotypic variance explained by QTL were 13، 9، 12. 7، 15 and 10. 5 percent for birth،، 3، 6، 9 and 12 monthly weights respectively. As significant study result of study perhaps could be good indicator for designing proper breeding program in this breed.