Prolificacy Detection in Egyptian Sheep using RFLP-Specific PCR

Abstract

Booroola gene (FecB) was the first major gene for prolificacy identified in sheep. In this study twenty two (11 twin producing female, 7 single lamb producing female, and 4 male) crossbred sheep were tested for the presence of the FecB mutation of BMPR1B. The females were selected for their twin production in three repetitive production cycles while the males were selected for being produced from prolific females as above. Forced restriction PCR of the FecB gene, 190 base pair (bp) was amplified using specific primer designed to introduce a point mutation in the resulting PCR products with FecB carrier sheep containing an AvaII restriction site (G|GACC). The FecB DNA test showed that there were no carriers for the FecB mutation in the selected prolific sheep sample.