Molecular Analysis of Callipyge Gene Mutation (C.267A>G) in Kajli, Lohi and Thalli Sheep Breeds of Pakistan

Abstract

The Callipyge (CLPG) mutation has been reported in postnatal muscular hypertrophy which specifically functions in the pelvic limbs and loin of ovine. In current study, for the first time we investigated CLPG mutation (C.267A>G) by using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing in three Pakistani sheep breeds, named as Thalli, Kajli and Lohi. The results showed that Thalli breed has mutant homozygous (GG, 0.02%), heterozygous (AG, 0.10%) and normal homozygous (AA, 0.88%) forms of CLPG. The sequence analysis of the purified PCR product of the Thalli sheep represents these three types of genotypes. However Kajli and Lohi breeds were found normal for this genetic variation of CLPG. On the basis of current findings and physical examination of these breeds, it was concluded that CLPG Thalli breed can be a good source of mutton and subsequent breeding of the Callipyge phenotype will greatly overcome the meat shortage in Pakistan.