Abstract
Simple SummaryThe BMPR1B gene is one of the major genes involved in controlling prolificacy in small ruminant species. The research was conducted to detect possible polymorphisms in BMPR1B gene in a population of Markhoz goats, a valuable genetic resource of Iran. The results showed that all the analyzed individuals did not carry the previously reported FecB mutant allele. Moreover, we reported for the first time two novel possible mutations in exon 8 of BMPR1B gene that are noteworthy of further investigation.Reproductive traits in livestock species are genetically controlled by the action of single genes with a major effect, commonly known as fecundity genes. One of the genes involved in controlling prolificacy is BMPR1B (FecB), a dominant autosomal gene located in chromosome 6 responsible for the fecundity and twinning rate in sheep and goat species. Markhoz goat is a valuable Iranian genetic resource endangered by extinction. Increasing the genetic variability and reproductive performances of Markhoz goat could preserve and enhance its economic value. This study was carried out to detect possible polymorphisms in BMPR1B gene in a sample of 100 Markhoz goats from Iran. DNA samples were screened by PCR–RFLP to assess the presence of the previously reported FecB mutation. Finally, the amplicons from seven goats out of the 100 samples were sequenced. The results showed that all the analyzed individuals did not carry the previously reported FecB mutant allele. However, our findings revealed two novel possible mutations in exon 8 of BMPR1B gene (775A > G and 777G > A) that need further investigations.
Highlights
Genetic studies indicate that prolificacy traits in livestock species are genetically controlled by the action of single genes with a major effect [1,2,3]
Different studies revealed that the mutations in fecundity genes are associated with both ovulation rate and litter size of sheep [4,6,7,9,11,22]
Previous investigations in different sheep breeds revealed a lack of FecB mutation [30,31]
Summary
Genetic studies indicate that prolificacy traits in livestock species are genetically controlled by the action of single genes with a major effect (commonly known as fecundity genes) [1,2,3]. Animals 2020, 10, 1582 involved in controlling prolificacy have been initially identified in sheep: BMP15 [2,3], BMPR1B [4], and GDF9 [2] All these genes belong to the TGF-β superfamily (transforming growth factor beta) [5], playing a key role in the process of embryo development, ovulation rate and litter size. BMPR1B (bone morphogenetic protein receptor-1B) is a dominant autosomal gene located in chromosome 6 responsible for the fecundity and twinning in sheep and goat [6,7,8]. It was firstly identified in Booroola Merino sheep [9]. BMPR1B is known as a receptor for different bone growth factors (BMP)
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