Association of Polymorphisms in Fecundity Genes of GDF9, BMP15 and BMP15-1B with Litter Size in Iranian Baluchi Sheep

Abstract

The incidence of mutation in three loci of GDF9, BMP15 and BMP15-1B and their effects on litter sizes was evaluated in Baluchi sheep. Wild-type alleles were detected for BMP15 and BMP15-1B loci and all individuals were found to be as non-carriers for FecB and mutations but, a G to A nucleotide substitution was found in GDF9 locus. The frequency of (0.82) wild type allele was higher than the frequency of (0.18) mutant allele and the frequencies of , and genotypes were 0.72, 0.20 and 0.08, respectively in GDF9 locus. The heterozygous () and homozygous () non-carrier ewes had 0.35 and 0.21 more lambs than the homozygous () carrier ewes, respectively (p gene has a major effect on litter size in this breed.