Investigation of relationship between DRB2 gene polymorphism and Nematodirus parasites in gastrointestinal of Ghezel sheep breed

Parasites and intestinal worms are one of the main causes of the economic decline in the sheep industry.
This research carried out for consideration of microsatellite polymorphism in the intron 5 of DRB2 gene and its association with the egg numbers of Nematodirus parasite in Ghezel sheep breed.
Blood and fecal samples were obtained from 80 male lambs at the age of 4-6 months. Fecal samples were collected from the lamb's rectum and the number of fecal eggs was calculated by the Clayton Lane technique. The DNA was extracted using Chloroform-Amyl Alcohol; and Microsatellite regions of intron 5 of the DRB2 gene were amplified. PCR products were electrophoresed on 3% Agarose gel. Allele sizes were determined by ladder 25 bp and Uvidoc software. The Proc Mixed was considered for evaluation of genotypes effects on the traits.
Statistical analysis showed there was significant correlation between the numbers of Nematodirus parasite eggs and the polymorphism of DRB2 gene. Therefore, lambs that had the genotypes 300-300 in intron 5 of DRB2 gene had significantly (P It was concluded that the polymorphism at this locus can be utilized as a useful tool in the selection programs based on markers.