Indian Sheep Breeds Research Articles

Integrative analysis of common SNPS and imputation accuracy across diverse genomic densities in Asian, exotic, and Indian sheep breeds

Integrative analysis of common SNPS and imputation accuracy across diverse genomic densities in Asian, exotic, and Indian sheep breeds

Population-wide genetic analysis of Ovar-DQA1 and DQA2 loci across sheep breeds in India revealed their evolutionary importance and fitness of sheep in a tropical climate

Genetic variability at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is important in any species due to significant role played by MHC for antigen presentation. DQA locus has not been studied for its genetic variability across sheep population in India. In the present study, MHC of sheep at DQA1 and DQA2 loci were evaluated across 17 Indian sheep breeds. Results revealed high degree of heterozygosity (10.34% to 100% for DQA1 and 37.39 to 100% for DQA2). 18 DQA1 alleles and 22 DQA2 alleles were isolated in different breeds. Nucleotide content for DQA region revealed richness of AT content (54.85% for DQA1 and 53.89% for DQA2). DQA1 and DQA2 sequences clustered independently. We could see evidence of divergence of DQA as DQA1 and DQA2 across sheep breeds. Wu-Kabat variability index revealed vast genetic variation across DQA1 and DQA2, specifically at peptide binding sites (PBS) that consisted 21 residues for DQA1 and 17 residues for DQA2. Evolutionary analysis revealed the presence of positive and balancing selection for DQA1 locus, however DQA2 was under purifying selection across sheep breeds. Higher heterozygosity and large diversity at both loci especially at PBS indicated the fitness of the sheep population for evading pathogens and adapt to the harsh tropical climate.

Assessment of genetic diversity of the fat-tailed Dumba sheep of India by mitochondrial and microsatellite markers

India has a centuries-old tradition of sheep production and breeding that accomplish economic, agricultural, and religious roles. In addition to the 44 registered sheep breeds, there is a fat-tailed sheep population referred to as Dumba. This study evaluated genetic variation in Dumba sheep and its differentiation from other Indian sheep breeds using mitochondrial DNA and genomic microsatellite loci. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity based on mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed substantially high maternal genetic diversity in Dumba sheep. Major ovine haplogroups A and B observed in sheep populations across the globe registered their presence in the Dumba sheep. The molecular genetic analysis using microsatellite markers also showed high measures of allele (10.125 ± 0.762) and gene diversity (0.749 ± 0.029). Results correspond to the non-bottleneck population that is near mutation-drift equilibrium despite some deficiency in the number of heterozygotes (FIS = 0.043 ± 0.059). Phylogenetic clustering confirmed Dumba to be a distinct population. Results of this study endow authorities with critical information imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of Indian fat-tailed sheep, which is considered to be an untapped genetic resource contributing to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural households in marginal areas of the country.

Prolific Avishaan Sheep Toward Doubling the Farmer Income: A Review

The main objective of the study is to increase the meat production by rearing of Avishaan sheep. Avishaan sheep is a prolific sheep which is developed through crossing of three indigenous sheep breed (Garole, Malpura and Patanwadi). Avishaan sheep produce more number of lambs due to presence of FecB gene, inherited from microsheep Garole of West Bengal state of India. Avishaan sheep has better reproductive efficiency and litter size as compared to non-prolific Indian sheep breeds. Avishaan sheep has higher litter size, more litter weight and sufficient milk for their neonates. Therefore, it will be boon for farmers toward doubling the income by selling additional lambs received due to prolificacy trait inheritance. At commercial level, under intensive system, Avishaan sheep farming is most suitable for maximum profit. In future, due to declining natural resources, Avishaan sheep will fulfill the increasing meat demand of the nation.

Principal component analysis explains the associations between biometric characters of Indian Sheep Breeds and non-descript sheep

Principal component analysis explains the associations between biometric characters of Indian Sheep Breeds and non-descript sheep

Cross-population genetic analysis revealed genetic variation and selection in the Ovar-DRB1 gene of Indian sheep breeds

In sheep, MHC variability is studied widely to explore disease association. The aim of the current study was to explore the genetic diversity of Ovar-DRB diversity across sheep breeds of India. Here, Ovar-DRB1 locus was studied across 20 sheep breeds. DRB1 was amplified (301 bp) and sequenced using a PCR-sequence-based typing approach. Results revealed a high degree of heterozygosity across breeds (mean: 73.99%). Overall mean distance for DRB1 was highest in Sangamneri (0.18) and lowest in Madgyal sheep (0.10). There was a higher rate of transition, across breeds. Further, 39 alleles were isolated in different breeds, out of which 10 were new. To allow easy access and use of the immune-polymorphic database, an online database management system was launched (http://www.mhcdbms.in/). Nucleotide content across breeds for the DRB1 region revealed the richness of GC content (59.26%). Wu-Kabat index revealed vast genetic variation across peptide binding sites (PBS) of DRB1. Residues 6, 66, 69, 52, and 81, were polymorphic showing utility for antigen presentation. All breeds were under positive selection for DRB1 locus (dN > dS). Study revealed the importance of DRB locus diversity for beta chain specifically at PBS across sheep breeds of the Indian subcontinent and presented evidence of positive selection for DRB owing to its evolutionary significance.

Revealing Genomic Footprints of Selection for Fiber and Production Traits in Three Indian Sheep Breeds

ABSTRACT The present broad range of sheep phenotypic variation is the consequence of selection for various production characteristics such as wool, milk, meat, and natural adaptability to diverse situations. In the current study, the genomic data of 79 animals from three Indian sheep breeds (Changthangi, Deccani, and Garole) were explored to decipher regions under positive selection for various productive traits using various statistical tools. We found 61, 102 regions using Tajima’s D, CLR and 58, 38, and 71 regions using FST, FLK, and hapFLK, respectively, under selective sweep. Significant candidate genes related to various important traits, such as KLHL for fibre diameter and the OMA1 gene for feed-induced thermogenesis in Changthangi, were identified. In addition, the SYCP2 and NAPAS3 genes were found to be associated with seasonal reproductivity, and BMPR1B for fertilization capacity in Garole. In a previous study, the HSPA6 gene (Garole) was found to be associated with thermo-tolerance in the Angus sheep breed. The outcomes discussed here provide a basis for detecting selective sweeps that underlie genetic variations of traits that have functional importance.

The genetic variations in CSN2 gene of Indian sheep breeds affect its protein stability and function

Milk from minor dairy animals, such as sheep and goats, is gaining popularity, and its quality is viewed as significant in light of current healthy dietary trends. The β-casein (coded by CSN2 gene) is the most abundant casein protein family member accounting for more than half of the total casein protein in sheep milk. The goal of this work was to find genetic polymorphism (SNP) in the sheep CSN2 gene and predict how SNPs will affect protein stability and function. The mRNA was isolated from milk somatic cells of nine sheep breeds from northern India to get the complete coding β-casein gene. The exon seven of β-casein was screened for the genetic variations at DNA level by PCR-SSCP method, from 300 sheep belonging to nine breeds. The comparative sequence analysis in Indian sheep breeds revealed 21 novel CSN2 protein variants, maximum of the variants raised due to the SNPs in the exon seven of the gene. The computational analysis of deduced amino acids substitutions in CSN2 protein demonstrated that these changes in the mature protein could change the structure, stability and function of the milk protein. Variations in the signal peptide and mature protein sequences were projected to have a negative impact on the casein protein's stability and function. These changes were also projected to disrupt CSN2 protein post-translational modifications, which could affect different technical aspects of milk, thereby jeopardizing crucial milk coagulation features like rennet coagulation time and curd hardness.

Evidence for independent domestication of sheep mtDNA lineage A in India and introduction of lineage B through Arabian sea route

India ranks the second in the world in terms of its sheep population with approximately 74.26 million represented by 44 well-described breeds in addition to several non-descript populations. Genetic diversity and phylogeography of Indian sheep breeds remain poorly understood, particularly for south Indian breeds. To have a comprehensive view of the domestication history of Indian sheep, we sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (D-loop) and cytochrome b gene (CYTB) of 16 Indian domestic sheep breeds, most of them (13) from the south India. We analysed these sequences along with published data of domestic and wild sheep from different countries, including India. The haplotype diversity was relatively high in Indian sheep, which were classified into the three known mtDNA lineages, namely A, B and C. Lineage A was predominant among Indian sheep whereas lineages B and C were observed at low frequencies but C was restricted to the breeds of north and east India. The median joining network showed five major expanding haplogroups of lineage A (A1–A5). Out of which, A2, A4 and A5 were more frequent in Indian sheep in contrast to breeds from other parts of the world. Among the 27 Indian sheep breeds analysed, Mandya and Sonadi breeds were significantly different from other Indian breeds in the MDS analyses. This was explained by a very high contribution of lineage B into these two breeds. The Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) provided evidence for the domestication of lineage A sheep in the Indian subcontinent. Contrary to the current knowledge, we also found strong support for the introduction of lineage B into Indian subcontinent through sea route rather than from the Mongolian Plateau. The neighbour-joining tree of domestic and wild sheep revealed the close genetic relationship of Indian domestic sheep with Pakistani wild sheep O. vignei blanfordi. Based on our analyses and archaeological evidences, we suggest the Indian subcontinent as one of the domestication centres of the lineage A sheep, while lineage B sheep might have arrived into India from elsewhere via Arabian sea route. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on Indian sheep where we have analysed more than 740 animals belonging to 27 sheep breeds raised in various regions of India. Our study provides insight into the understanding of the origin and migratory history of Indian sheep.

Selection of breed-specific SNPs in three Indian sheep breeds using ovine 50 K array

Recently DNA-based genetic purity determination tools have gained popularity, especially, in small ruminants like sheep. The objective of the present study was to select breed-specific SNPs for the three commercially important sheep breeds of India, i.e., Changthangi, Deccani, and Garole. Sheep genotype data (Ovine 50 K SNP array) from 344 individuals of eight sheep breeds (Garole, Deccani, Changthangi, Tibetan, Australian Merino, Dorset Horn, Rambouillet, and Irish Suffolk) were used as a reference population. Here, we used pre-selection statistics and the minor allele frequency–linkage disequilibrium (MAF-LD) method to analyze the reference population dataset. SNPs selection and breed assignment was executed with a panel of 768 markers for eight breeds near intermediate gene frequencies. We identified 95, 89, and 92 breed-specific SNPs for Changthangi, Deccani, and Garole, respectively. These informative SNPs were found to be associated with essential candidate genes associated with production and disease resistance. This methodology may be implemented in practice to identify individuals as being purebred or not.

Association analysis of novel SNPs in exon 10 of the growth hormone receptor gene with growth traits in Indian sheep

The growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene encodes the type I cytokine receptor that helps in joining the growth hormone to this receptor, thus promoting receptor-dimerization, leading to up-regulating growth. The ovine GHR gene located on chromosome 16, which consists of 10 exons and 9 introns, along with untranslated regions on either side, comprise a total size of 178.09 kb. However, earlier reports about polymorphism have mainly dealt with exon 10 which is also a larger fragment of this gene comprising 1102 bp. Hence, this study was carried out to detect polymorphism in exon 10 of the GHR gene and its association with growth traits. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of Madras Red and Mecheri sheep breeds from India. Part of exon 10 (895 bp) of the GHR gene was amplified and sent for sequencing. The sequence analysis revealed transition of nucleotide G>A at loci G177624A and G177878A in both sheep breeds. Populations were screened by Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. The genotype frequencies of GG, GA and AA were 0.276, 0.519 and 0.205 at 177624 G>A, and 0.307, 0.444 and 0.149 at 177878 G>A in Madras Red sheep; whereas in Mecheri they were 0.476, 0.372 and 0.152 at 177624 G>A, and 0.629, 0.314 and 0.057 at 177878 G>A, respectively. Likewise the estimated allele frequencies of G and A were 0.5355 and 0.4645 at 177624 G>A, and 0.5790 and 0.4210 at 177878 G>A in Madras Red sheep; whereas in Mecheri they were 0.6620 and 0.3380 at 177624 G>A, and 0.7860 and 0.2140 at 177878 G>A, respectively. The effect of sex was significant for birth, six and nine month weight; but non-significant for three and 12 month weight in Mecheri sheep. However, in the Madras Red breed the effect of sex was significant for all body weights except weaning weight. The effect of variations on growth traits, viz., birth weight, weight at weaning, and weight at six, nine and twelve months in both breeds were analysed for their association, and they were found non-significant. Since these SNPs are salient findings of GHR gene polymorphism in Indian sheep breeds, further investigation is required into the significant effects of these novel SNPs, which could be useful for genetic improvement based on marker assisted selection.

Genome-wide analysis of genetic diversity and selection signatures in three Indian sheep breeds

Knowledge about genetic diversity and selection signatures are very essential for the management and sustainable utilization of sheep genetic resources in India. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of genetic diversity and selection signatures using SNP data. A total of 79 animals from three Indian sheep breeds: Changthangi (n = 29), Deccani (n = 24), and Garole (n = 26) genotyped with Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip were included in this study. The average minor allele frequency was 0.284 with a standard deviation of 0.129. The overall mean observed (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) were 0.369±0.141 and 0.373±0.118, respectively. The proportion of polymorphic SNPs (PN) ranged from 0.84 (Garole) to 0.93 (Changthangi). The average pairwise genetic distance (D) ranged from 0.301 (Garole) to 0.313 (Changthangi). We identified a total of 9244 ROH segments and the genomic inbreeding coefficients ranged from 0.0673 (Deccani) to 0.1779 (Garole). Two different statistical approaches (ROH and iHS) revealed selection signatures in 37 genomic regions mapping to 188 genes across 16 of the 26 autosomes in three sheep breeds. The selective sweeps provide new insights into the local adaptation and production potential of three Indian sheep breeds. Some notable candidate genes include the TRPM8 gene involved in cold adaptation, JADE2, PLEKHB2, SPP2, TSHR, and UBE2B genes associated with meat quality traits, and the PPP3CA gene associated with fecundity.

Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analyses unveil the genetic structure of native sheep breeds from three major agro-ecological regions of India

Sheep farming has been fundamental to many civilizations in the world and is practiced in India since antiquity. Several thousand years of adaptation to local environmental conditions and selective breeding have evolved 44 sheep breeds in India. They are paramount in terms of economic, scientific, and cultural heritage. Genetic characterization information is imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of ovine heritage. In this study, the genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of 11 indigenous sheep breeds from three different agro-ecological zones of India were explored with genomic microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA (D loop). The estimated diversity parameters indicated that populations retained high levels of genetic diversity (Na = 8.27 ± 0.17; Ho = 0.65 ± 0.01), which provides an optimistic viewpoint for their survival. However, significant inbreeding was also observed in the nine populations. Moderate genetic differentiation existed among the groups (FST = 0.129 ± 0.012), and most likely clusters existing in the dataset are seven. Phylogenetic clustering was in line with the geographical locations of sheep populations. Mitochondrial sequences revealed high haplotype diversity with the existence of maternal haplogroups A, B, and C, and signals of population expansion. Decreased genetic diversity and unique maternal lineage (C) in endangered Tibetan and Bonpala sheep breed, warrant their immediate scientific management. Overall, the quantitative data reported here on the extant variability, and genetic relationships among the Indian sheep breeds, provide critically important inputs that will be valuable for the decision-making process on their management, both for the conservation of endangered breeds, and formulation of breeding programs to check genetic erosion.

Effect of season and SNPs of HSP90 and HSP70 genes on the biochemical traits in Indian sheep (Ovis aries) breeds

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are evolutionary conserved family of proteins produced by living cells in response to various biological stresses, including heat shock. Heat stress affects the productivity of the livestock species, which causes severe economic losses to the animal keepers. The present study was undertaken to establish reference baseline values for thyroid (T3 and T4) and adrenal gland (cortisol) hormones in four indigenous sheep breeds (Chokla, Marwari, Magra and Madras Red). The effect of the seasons and genotypes of the HSP90 and HSP70 genes on the functions of the thyroid gland as well as cortisol levels were examined in plasma samples of these sheep breeds. A total of 80 plasma samples (10 animals per breed for the summer and winter season) were analyzed. The least square analysis revealed significant seasonal effect on Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). Significantly higher T3 and T4 levels were observed in the winter with a low temperature humidity index (THI) than in summer with high THI. Cortisol was non-significantly higher in the summer than in winter season. Overall, the influence of the breeds on these three parameters was non-significant. Genotypes of SNP1 (HSP90 gene) and SNP2 (HSP70 gene) had significant effect on T3 level. These SNP markers may be useful for identifying animals that are more adaptable to heat stress following a thorough association analysis over a large sample size.

Molecular characterization of myostatin gene in Malpura sheep of Rajasthan

Objective of study was to characterize the complete sequence of Myostatin (MSTN) gene in Malpura sheep and to study its genetic variability across population. This study is the first ever report of complete Myostatin gene characterization among the Indian sheep breeds. MSTN (GDF-8) is found to be a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth which is responsible for double muscling. The MSTN gene sequence was partitioned in 18 different overlapping fragments (P1 to P18). We obtained a sequence of 8002 bp (MH025940) for complete MSTN gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MSTN gene of Malpura sheep breed is in close relation with that of Texel sheep and far related to pig. A total of 16 nucleotide substitutions were identified, revealing rich genetic diversity. Out of these 16 substitutions, none was observed in exonic region, 2 were observed to be present at promoter, 3 in the 5'UTR, 6 in intron-1, 1 in intron-2 and 4 in 3'UTR. Two substitutions c.373+1189 A or G and c.*202 A or G were found in intron-1 and 3′UTR, respectively and were new. The putative mutation for double muscling in sheep (c.*1232A) was not present in Malpura population (c.*12132G).

Evaluation of growth, wool production and reproduction traits of Muzaffarnagari sheeps

Muzaffarnagari, the heaviest breed among 43 Indian sheep breeds, is originally distributed in and around Muzaffarnagar district of western Uttar Pradesh and also in some parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi states. Muzaffarnagari is a mutton type breed because the wool production is low and wool quality is very course, not suitable for carpet manufacture. To study the impact of various factors on production and reproduction traits, the data on 1080 Muzaffarnagari lambs born under Network Project on Sheep Improvement during years 2011-15 at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura (UP) were recorded for growth traits i.e. body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month age, wool production traits viz. greasy fleece yields of lambs in first and second six monthly clips and reproduction traits viz. tupping, lambing on available basis, lambing on bred basis, twinning and replacement rate of ewes. The overall least squares means for body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months age were 3.55±0.02, 16.02±0.12, 24.46±0.18, 29.18±0.19 and 33.52±0.19 kg, respectively and average daily gains (ADGs) during 0–3, 3-6, 6-12 and 3-12 months age groups were 138.56±1.27, 92.18±1.22, 63.87±0.64 and 50.89±0.86g, respectively. The overall least squares means for lambs 1st and 2nd six monthly clips 533.23±5.47 and 544.43±5.94g, respectively. The effect of sex, year of lambing, parity and type of birth of lambs had highly significant (P 0.01) influence on all growth and wool production traits except non significant effect of year on birth weight, parity on 3-6, 6-12 and 3-12 months ADG, type of birth on 3-6 month ADG, sex on lambs first clip and type of bith on lambs second clip. On comparison, male lambs were found superior than female lambs for all body weights and fleece yields. During year 2013, all the body weights and greasy fleece yields were recorded to be highest. Parity of ewes did not show any definite trend for growth traits while type of birth indicated that lambs born as single gained heavier weights at all growth stages and produced heavier clips than multiple born lambs. Tupping, lambing on available basis, lambing on bred basis, twinning and replacement rate ranges from 86.9-100.0, 74.3-91.0, 83.2-92.5, 10.9-20.3 and 24.5-33.2%, respectively. This study revealed that 0-3 month lambs growth is very crucial which needs proper management, feeding and health care and selection of breeding rams based on their six month body weight was effective for genetic improvement of Muzaffarnagari sheep for growth and reproduction traits.

Transcriptome profiling of longissimus thoracis muscles identifies highly connected differentially expressed genes in meat type sheep of India.

This study describes the muscle transcriptome profile of Bandur breed, a consumer favoured, meat type sheep of India. The transcriptome was compared to the less desirable, unregistered local sheep population, in order to understand the molecular factors related to muscle traits in Indian sheep breeds. Bandur sheep have tender muscles and higher backfat thickness than local sheep. The longissimus thoracis transcriptome profiles of Bandur and local sheep were obtained using RNA sequencing (RNA Seq). The animals were male, non-castrated, with uniform age and reared under similar environment, as well as management conditions. We could identify 568 significantly up-regulated and 538 significantly down-regulated genes in Bandur sheep (p≤0.05). Among these, 181 up-regulated and 142 down-regulated genes in Bandur sheep, with a fold change ≥1.5, were considered for further analysis. Significant Gene Ontology terms for the up-regulated dataset in Bandur sheep included transporter activity, substrate specific transmembrane, lipid and fatty acid binding. The down-regulated activities in Bandur sheep were mainly related to RNA degradation, regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascades and innate immune response. The MAPK signaling pathway, Adipocytokine signaling pathway and PPAR signaling pathway were enriched for Bandur sheep. The highly connected genes identified by network analysis were CNOT2, CNOT6, HSPB1, HSPA6, MAP3K14 and PPARD, which may be important regulators of energy metabolism, cellular stress and fatty acid metabolism in the skeletal muscles. These key genes affect the CCR4-NOT complex, PPAR and MAPK signaling pathways. The highly connected genes identified in this study, form interesting candidates for further research on muscle traits in Bandur sheep.

Microsatellite based genetic diversity estimation in Kajali sheep and its phylogenetic relationship with other indigenous sheep breeds

Microsatellite based characterization of Kajali sheep population found in Punjab and adjoining regions was carried out and genetic diversity measures were analysed. High measures of allele (7.778±0.80) and gene diversity (0.66±0.03) were observed across this population. A significant positive FIS (0.23±0.03) value suggested a deficiency in the number of heterozygotes in Kajali sheep which may be attributed to population sub-structuring into different colour variants (White and Kali Kajali). The population revealed presence of genetic diversity and there was no significant heterozygosity excess indicating the absence of genetic bottleneck in the recent past. The phylogenetic study analysis with 18 other Indian sheep breeds revealed that Kajali sheep clustered in same node with Munjal sheep (bootstrap value of 22%). However, Kajali and Munjal sheep are phenotypically distinct from each other. The genetic characterization of Kajali sheep will help in devising suitable strategies for its genetic improvement, management and recognition at national level.

Polymorphism in exon 3 of myostatin (MSTN) gene and its association with growth traits in Indian sheep breeds

The polymorphism of myostatin (MSTN) gene was analysed as a genetic marker for growth traits in Madras Red and Mecheri sheep breeds of Tamil Nadu. PCR-RFLP revealed a SNP G5622C in exon 3 and was confirmed by sequencing. The breed-wise genotypic and allelic frequencies observed for MM genotype were 0.417 and 0.486; and Mm were 0.583 and 0.514 in Madras Red and Mecheri breeds respectively. The estimated allelic frequencies for M and m in Madras Red and Mecheri breeds were 0.7085 and 0.2915; and 0.7430 and 0.2570 respectively. Madras Red sheep with homozygous (MM) genotypes were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than heterozygous (Mm) genotype by 1.162kg and 1.227kg at nine and 12 months weight respectively. However, no significant effect was observed for birth, weaning (three months) and six months weight in the same breed. There was no significant difference in mean birth, weaning, six, nine and 12 months weight between MM and Mm genotypes in Mecheri sheep.

Expression Analysis of Genes Associated with Prolificacy in FecB Carrier and Noncarrier Indian Sheep

ABSTRACTThe effect of FecB mutation on the gene expression in FecB carrier and noncarrier estrous synchronized ewes, has been analyzed. For this study the whole ovarian tissues and Graafian follicles were collected from estrus synchronized FecB carrier Garole, and non-carrier Deccani Indian sheep, showing remarkable differences in the numbers of preovulatory follicles among two groups. Eleven potential candidate genes (BMP15, GDF9, BMP4, BMP7, BMPR1B, BMPR1A, SMAD9, LHCGR, FSHR, IGF1R, and STAT5) were selected for their expression analysis by SybrGreen based real-time PCR, across ovaries and Graafian follicles of different fecundity groups, for having better insights into the effect of FecB genotypes on follicular development. Variable expression was observed for almost all the genes included in the present study among high and low fecundity groups that was most significant for the BMP7, BMP4, LHCGR, and FSHR transcripts in the ovarian follicles of high and low fecundity ewes, indicating their importance in governing the fecundity in FecB carrier, Indian Garole sheep. BMP4 expression among the genes studied was significantly higher in FecB carrier Garole sheep. This study confirms the changes in mRNA expression of the genes implicated in follicular development in FecB carrier and noncarrier Indian sheep breeds.