Polymorphism of Fecundity Genes (FecB, FecX, and FecG) in the Indian Bonpala Sheep

Abstract

The present study was designed for screening polymorphism of known fecundity genes in prolific Indian Bonpala sheep. Employing tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR, 11-point mutations of BMP1B, BMP15, and GDF9 genes of 97 Bonpala ewes were genotyped. The FecB locus of the BMPR1B gene and two loci (G1 and G4) of GDF9 gene were found to be polymorphic. In FecB locus, three genotypes, namely, wild type (Fec++, 0.02), heterozygous (FecB+, 0.23), and mutant (FecBB, 0.75) were detected. At G1 locus of GDF9 gene, three genotypes, namely, wild type (GG, 0.89), heterozygous (GA, 0.10), and mutant (AA, 0.01) were detected. At G4 locus of GDF9 gene, three genotypes, namely, wild type (AA, 0.01), heterozygous (AG, 0.14), and mutant (GG, 0.85) were detected. Statistically no significant correlation of polymorphism of FecB, G1, and G4 loci and litter size was found in this breed. All five loci of BMP15 and three loci of GDF 9 genes were monomorphic. This study reports Bonpala sheep as the first sheep breed where concurrent polymorphism at three important loci (FecB, G1, and G4) of two different fecundity genes (BMPR1B and GDF9) has been found.

Sakız Irkı Koyunlarda FecB, BMP15 ve CAST Genlerindeki Mutasyonların Analizi

“…Additionally, the FecX G mutation was identified in Small Tailed Han, Belclare and Cambridge sheep [1,33] . In contrast with results from Gursel et al [20] , our results indicate that the point mutation in FecX G might not serve as a major gene that influences prolificacy in Sakiz sheep.…”

“…The FecX I mutation was first identified in the Romney sheep breed, which exhibits high fertility traits [1] . Studies indicate that the Small Tailed Han, Hu [33] , Olkuska, Garole, Javanese, Woodland, Lacaune [13] , Egyptian [34] , East Friesien, Finn, Romanov [5] and Greek Sakiz [27] sheep do not carry the FecX I alleles. Our results demonstrate that the FecX I mutation we examined was not present in Sakiz sheep.…”

Genetics of ovulation rate in farm animals

“…first sheep breed in which concurrent polymorphism at However, the transcription of BMP6, BMP15, GDF9 three important loci (FecB, G1, and G4) of two and BMPR11 were downregulated, while BMP4, different fecundity genes (BMPR1B and GDF9) has BMPR1A and BMPR1B remained unchanged during been found [53]. There was a correlation of mutations IVM in pig oocytes.…”

Increasing litter size in a sheep breed by marker-assisted selection of BMPR1B A746G mutation

“…The BMPR1B gene, mapped to ovine chromosome 6, is reported as a causative gene for high prolificacy (Mulsant et al 2001), and the B allele with G substitution (the opposite allele is + with A substitution) for the A746G mutation is shown to be strongly associated with the prolific phenotype of Booroola ewes (Fogarty 2009). The effect of BMPR1B gene on the litter size has been reported in widespread breeds and flocks, including Bonpala sheep (Roy et al 2011), Han (Chu et al 2003(Chu et al , 2007(Chu et al , 2011 and Hu sheep (Chu et al 2011). MAS of the BMPR1B gene allows the selection pressure on traits and leads to the promotion of genetic gain, which can be used for incorporation of a major gene for prolificacy into a flock (Davis 2005).…”