Identification of available mutations in the first-half (from 5 end) of exon 2 of GDF9 gene in crossbred sheep from crossing of Romanov and Lori-Bakhtiari breeds

For decreasing the number of breeding ewes on pastures and prevention of demolition pastures, it seems that animal breeding programs are benefit for identifying effective candidate genes on litter size in Iranian sheep breeds and using those. The TGFβ family genes are one of the most important effective factors on litter size in sheep. The GDF9 gene is one of the most important members from this family. The aim of the present study was to identify available mutations in exon 2 of GDF9 gene in crossbred sheep (Romanov rams × Lori-Bakhtiari ewes) using PCR-SSCP. In this study, after extraction genomic DNA from blood samples of 36 crossbred animals with 3-6 months old (17 males and 19 females), the first region (from 5’ end) of exon 2 (634bp segments) of GDF9 gene was amplified using PCR. The single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) patterns of PCR products were studied using acrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining method and then from any pattern one sample sequenced. In the studied population, 3 banding patterns 1, 2, and 3 obtained with frequencies of 0.305, 0.584 and 0.111, respectively. The sequencing results showed presence of 4 mutations (471, 477, 520 and 721 situations) in the studied population.