Exploration of MEG9 Gene Polymorphism and Its Association with Birth Weight in Sistani Cattle

To determine of MEG9 gene polymorphism and its association with birth weight in Sistani cattle, the blood sample of 130 calves (male and female) were randomly collected belonging to Sistani cattle Research Center. The DNA extraction from whole blood was performed using phenol-chloroform procedure. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for amplification of 210-bp segments of exon 3 of MEG9 gene using specific primers. Detection of mutations were carried out by electrophoresis of poly-acrylamide gel 8% and silver staining using SSCP method. Association study of allele patterns with birth weight was done with fixed linear model and comparison of means was conducted by Tukey-kramer method. Results showed that three allele patterns including q1, q2 and q3 in PCR product of MEG9 gene in Sistani cattle with frequency of 37, 34 and 29 % respectively. The genetic diversity in MEG9 gene had significant correlation with birth weight (P