Detection of polymorphism in FecB and BMP15 candidate genes associated with litter size in Moghani flock

Genetic variation in ovulation rate in sheep has been widely documented and the evidence shows substantial differences among world sheep breeds. Candidate gene approach and DNA marker strategy are new tools to improve twining or multiple lambing rate traits in sheep population. The present study was carried out to detect of polymorphism in FecB and BMP15 genes and the effect on litter size trait in Moghani sheep breed using RFLP-PCR method. Blood samples were collected randomly from 150 individuals at Moghani Breeding Station of Ardebil province، Iran. DNA of blood samples was extracted by modifying salting out method. Site of mutation was amplified using specific primers and PCR products were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis، and then the PCR product was digested with AvaII، SpeI and HinfI restriction enzymes for FecB، FecXH and FecXG loci، respectively. The results did not show any polymorphism for FecB and BMP15 genes. All the samples were showed wild type alleles so mutation of FecB and BMP15 genes were not cause of prolificacy in Moghani sheep. Considering the phenotypes records in this breed، the obtained result indicates that the genetic factor responsible for twining or multiple lambing rate is not related to reported mutated alleles at prolificacy major genes and therefore other prolificacy related genes should be investigated in Moghani sheep.