Evaluation of GDF9 gene polymorphism and its relationship with sperm quality in Sanjabi ram

This study was conducted in order to identity mutation in GDF9 gene and possible association with the sperm quality and testicular biometric traits using PCR-RFLP method. For this purpose, the blood and sperm samples were collected from 96 rams belonged to Sanjabi breed. After the extraction of DNA, amplification of 462bp fragment including GDF9 gene exon 1 region was performed using a pair of specific primers. Then, enzyme digestion of products was performed using Hhal restriction enzyme. The results of digestion process approved absence of G to A mutation in the studied population and all samples showed to be wild-type genotype (GG) in this position. In regard to significant differences in sperm quality traits in sampled rams and as well as the incidence of twining in Sanjabi breed ewes, the results of this study showed that other studies must be performed in order to identify mutations in other regions of this gene and other genes to know responsible genomic regions for the sperm quality in rams and also twining in Sanjabi breed ewes in order to improve fertility in flock.