Characterization and diversity of growth hormone gene sequences in Iranian dromedary and Bactrian Camels

Camel is a resistant species to drought and cold weather and produces milk and meat in harshest environmental condition. Camel population in Iran has been decreasing during last decades, and genetic studies are quite necessary for considering the conservation and productivity of this species. In this study growth hormone gene influencing growth, milk production and reproduction was considered. The blood samples were collected from 25 Bactrian (Ardebil province) and 50 dromedary camels (Yazd province (n=15), Toroud Camel Research Station (n=20) and Semnan province (n=15)), and DNA was extracted. Using sequencing and alignment method, seven mutations were detected in GH gene. Two of them were substitution mutation and changed amino acid sequence of growth hormone protein. The results of genetic distance analysis showed that the genetic distance between Bactrian and one-humped camel was the highest. Within dromedary camels, the camels of Yazd and Semnan provinces showed biggest genetic distance and camels of the Toroud camel research station were Intermediate of two populations.