Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) gene has been described as a candidate gene for marker-assisted selection in different farm animals. The present study was designed to identify the polymorphism in GH gene and its association with variation of wool traits in Egyptian sheep breeds. Wool and blood samples were collected from 42 animals including two breeds (Barki and Rahmani) and one crossbred (Rahmani x Awase). Measurements of wool traits were analyzed and involved staple strength (Str), staple length (STL), fiber diameter (FD) and clean fleece yield (CFW). DNA was extracted from blood samples and a 365-bp fragment from exon V was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Single strand conformation polymorphisim (SSCP) analysis showed two conformational patterns. The pattern I was recorded to be more frequent (83.3, 92.86 and 90%) than pattern II (16.7, 7.14 and 10%) in Barki, Rahmani and crossbred, respectively. The sequence analysis showed one single nucleotide polymorphism (C/T). The pattern I (allele T) has been found to affect CFW and FD than pattern II (allele C). Whereas, C allele was more pronounced for Str and STL. These traits are the most important parameters determining commercial values of wool that are preferred for clothing or carpets industry. The nucleotide sequences of C and T alleles were submitted to GenBank and have the accession numbers: KT250511 and KT250512, respectively. In conclusion, the present results provide evidence that there is a single nucleotide polymorphism within GH gene in Egyptian sheep breeds. This mutation was found to have some effects on wool traits. Therefore our data show interesting prospects in future selection programs for improving wool industry. Key words: Sheep, wool, growth hormone (GH) gene, polymorphism, single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP).
Highlights
Wool is widely used throughout the world by clothing and carpets industry
The present study was designed to identify the polymorphism in growth hormone (GH) gene and its association with variation of wool traits in Egyptian sheep breeds
DNA was extracted from blood samples and a 365-bp fragment from exon V was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Summary
Is observed even in inbred lives of sheep (Itenge-Mweza et al, 2007; Itenge et al, 2010) This variation might be better controlled by using the genetic markers that contribute to the wool fiber (Itenge et al, 2010). Boyd and Bauman (1989) found that the effects of GH on growth were in several tissues including bone, muscle and adipose tissue. These authors observed that these effects result from both direct action of GH on the partition of nutrients and cellular multiplication as well as IGF-1 mediated action stimulating cell proliferation and metabolic processes and associated with protein deposition
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