Reproductive efficiency is a crucial factor in the economic viability of small ruminant exploitation. In spite of this, few producers utilize the available reproductive technologies related to hormonal interaction, which are vital for the economic sustainability of their operations. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the potential effects of reproductive alterations and hormone interactions during pregnancy and lactation and to determine advanced technologies for sheep reproduction. In the modern era, breeding techniques, nutrition, reproduction, and management techniques are used to produce more and better quality livestock. A combination of estrous synchronization and genetic improvements for small ruminants is needed to increase reproduction efficiency, productivity, and quality. A proper match between sheep breeds and nutritional and production environments will allow animals to express their genetic potential for enhanced production. In sheep, little information is available regarding the reproductive physiology during pregnancy and lactation. The availability of such information would enhance sheep production and reduce economic losses through improved dam performance and lamb survival. Understanding ewe reproductive physiology during pregnancy and lactation is essential for flock managers to determine their reproductive potential. Using advanced reproductive technologies could enhance the productivity of sheep, which are the most abundant ruminant livestock species.
Reproductive traits are affected by many factors, including ovarian function, hormones, and genetics. Genetic polymorphisms of candidate genes are associated with reproductive traits. Several candidate genes are associated with economic traits, including the follistatin ( FST) gene. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate whether the genetic variations in the FST gene are associated with the reproductive traits in Awassi ewes. The genomic DNA was extracted from 109 twin ewes and 123 single-progeny ewes. Therefore, 4 sequence fragments from the FST gene were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (exon 2/240, exon 3/268, exon 4/254, and exon 5/266 bp, respectively). For a 254 bp amplicon, 3 genotypes were identified: CC, CG, and GG. Sequencing revealed a novel mutation in CG genotypes c.100C > G. The statistical analysis of c.100C > G showed an association with reproductive characteristics. Ewes carrying the c.100C > G had significantly ( P ⩽ .01) lower litter sizes, twinning rates, lambing rates, and more days to lambing compared with CG and CC genotypes. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that the c.100C > G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is responsible for decreasing litter size. According to these results, the variant c.100C > G negatively affects the traits of interest and is associated with lower reproductive traits in Awassi sheep. As a result of this study, ewes carrying the c.100C > G SNP have lower litter size and are less prolific.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.