Abstract
Objective: In this study, the gene polymorphisms of Calpastatin (CAST) and Growth Differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) were determined in Akkaraman sheep breed.Material and Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from blood samples of 50 Akkaraman sheep. All samples for CAST and GDF9 were genotyped by the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using the enzymes MspI and Hhal.Results: Three (MM, MN, and NN) and two (GG and GA) genotypes, respectively, were detected at the CAST and GDF9 genes. The frequencies of the genotypes MM, MN and NN were determined to be 44 %, 54 % and 2 %, respectively. The frequencies of the GG and GA genotypes were found to be 84 % and 16 %, respectively. The AA genotype was not found.Conclusion: The study showed for the first time that the Akkaraman breed carries the GDF9 G1 mutation and has sufficient variation in the CAST. Previous studies provided that both genes can be used as biomarkers for increasing lambing yield and growth rates. Therefore, in order for the studied genes to be used as biomarkers in the Akkaraman breed, association studies should first be performed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
