Egyptian Sheep Research Articles

Prevalence of Eimeria Species in Sheep with A Special Reference to Vaccinated Pregnant Ewes for Maternal Immunity for the First Time

Sheep coccidiosis is an infection of economic and medical importance and have been observed in almost all alive sheep rearing in the world. Examination of 928 sheep fecal samples from different localities in Kaloubia Governorate for detection of Eimeria infection revealed a prevalence rate of 72.5% (n= 673/928). The identified Eimeria species oocysts were Eimeria candelas (78.3%), E. granulosa (63%), E. ovinoidalis (41%), E. parva (31.5%), E. pallida (22.1%), E. intricata (6.8%), E. faurei (6.2%) and E. ahasta (4.9%). The prevalence rate was high in females (76.3%) as compared to males (68.3%). The incidence of infection peaked in winter (83.1%) followed by spring (80.8%), while the lowest rate was in summer (61.0%). High prevalence rate was recorded in ages > 6 months (90.8%), followed by 6-12months (73.6%), while the lowest rate was in sheep over 1 year of age (55.6%). Single infection was recorded in 26.6% of infected sheep. Double infection rate was in 29.7% while mixed infection rate was in 43.7%. With regard to breeds, Rahmany and Osemy breed showed the highest infection rate (80.9% and 73.9%; respectively). On the other hand, Baladi breed showed the lowest infection rate (58.3%). Immunized dam with UV attenuated Eimeria oocysts and their progeny showed a significant increase in both IgG and IgM as compared to non-immunized control group. Biochemical analysis Immunized dams and their progeny showed high level of albumin, Beta and Gamma concentration levels as compared to control dams and their progeny. Conclusion, it could be concluded that Egyptian sheep was infected by 8 species of Eimeria with predominant of Eimeria crandalis and Eimeria granulosa. New born lambs from immunized ewes have high serum immunoglobulin especially IgG compared to those from non-immunized ewes. Recommendation, Immunization of pregnant ewes by two doses UV irradiated Eimeria oocysts one month before parturition to give protection to their progeny.

Characterization of some Egyptian Sheep Populations Using Microsatellite and Protein Markers

Three Egyptian sheep populations, collected from three geographically isolated regions namely Siwa, El-Dakhla and El-Farafra oases of the Egyptian western desert, were investigated using six polymorphic microsatellite markers and electrophoretic protein by SDS-PAGE. Six polymorphic microsatellite markers and electrophoretic protein were used to reveal that the genetic diversity, conduct genetic structure and assignment of microsatellite. The results indicated that; one hundred and five alleles were detected; 34 are common alleles and 71 specific alleles across six loci (67.62%). Thirteen specific alleles for Siwa sheep population ranged from 1 to 5. Also, for Dakhla sheep population 21 alleles ranged from 1 to 8. While 37 ones were obtained in the case of Farafra sheep population ranging from 1 to 14. When the heterozygotsity is high we will have the highest effective number of alleles (ENA) and the expected heterozygosity (gene diversity). The highest ENA was 10.29 for BM1314 when HE was 0.94, while the lowest ENA was 2.22 for BM8125 when HE was 0.58 with El-Dakhla sheep population. The protein profile for 33 sheep population samples collected from three different regions, Siwa had 20 protein bands that MW ranged from 17 to 269KDa. At the same concentration of protein and molecular weight, the band's volume or intensity values changed from sample to other. The homogeneity of individual Siwa samples was 30%. El-Dakhla population had 23 protein bands that ranged from17 to 283KDa. The heterogeneity’s El -Dakhla population was 74%. While, El-farfra populations varied in electrophoretic protein pattern, it had 21 bands that ranged from 17 to 252 KDa. The homogeneity percentage was 24%. Finally, protein profile can be used as a marker depending on the presence or absence bands, band intensity, molecular weight and relative front values.

Genetic variability within isolates of Sarcocystis species infecting sheep from Egypt.

In order to explain the exact role of sarcocystosis, principally Sarcocystis tenella, in losses of the Egyptian sheep industry, a precise confirmation about the existence of different Sarcocystis species infecting that economically important animal is needed. Therefore, this work aimed to molecularly identify, as well as illustrate the genetic variability within isolates of Sarcocystis spp. infecting sheep from Egypt. Tissue specimens were collected from sheep slaughtered at 3 Egyptian provinces; Cairo, Dakahlia and Damietta. DNA was isolated from the harvested bradyzoites after peptic digestion for the positive sarcocysts infected specimens, and then PCR amplification using the 18S rRNA gene was carried out. PCR products were subjected to gel electrophoresis. DNA from 600 bp gel bands was purified and sequenced. The revealed sequences were compared to their similarities on Genbank, and analyzed both clusterally and phylogenetically. Two Sarcocystis spp. were identified, the macroscopic cyst forming S. gigantea and the microscopic cyst forming S. tenella. Nine S. tenella sequences were analyzed, resulting in 3 polymorphic sites as well as 3 different haplotypes. Clustering of the nine obtained S. tenella sequences in addition to another 23 S. tenella sequences on Genbank revealed low nucleotide (0.001780) diversity as well as negative value of the Taijma neutral index which are indicators for population expansion. Alignment and Phylogeny results illustrated very close relationship between S. gigantea and S. moulei, a goat specific species which rarely reported in sheep, and in turn proposed the cross transmission of the later species between sheep and goats.

Investigating the effect of GDF9, BMP15, BMP6 and BMPR1B polymorphisms on Egyptian sheep fecundity and their transcripts expression in ovarian cells

Reproductive efficiency is one of the most critical factors affecting the productivity and profitability of the sheep industry. Therefore, the goal of this study is to identify candidate genes and/or loci that could be used for improving prolificacy in Egyptian sheep breeds. We selected four genes (GDF9, BMP15, BMP6 and BMPR1B), because of their previously reported contributions to sheep prolificacy and ovulation rate, to explore the effects of their variants on Egyptian sheep breeds as well as the effect of their expression level on follicular maturation. Sequence analysis of the four genes in Rahmani rams revealed seven SNPs, three of them are novel. The detected SNPs were genotyped in both Rahmani and Ossimi breeds. Association analysis showed that two SNPs located in GDF9 and BMPR1B are in association with litter size. Analysis of the mRNA transcripts in different ovarian cells and tissues showed that GDF9 and BMP15 transcripts are expressed exclusively by oocytes, however, their levels are significantly reduced in poor qualities oocytes, which underlines their importance in oocyte ovulation. The most interesting findings are the expression of BMPR1B mRNA in oocytes, granulosa, cumulus cells and corpora lutea along with BMP6 mRNA. This observation suggests that BMP6 would be the most likely ligand regulating follicular maturation and ovulation rate through BMPR1B. Also the presence of their transcripts in corpora lutea suggests the role these two genes in controlling luteolysis. However further studies are required to confirm these suggestions.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the expression of BMP6 and BMPR1B in sheep cumulus cells and corpora lutea.

Genetic characterization of three fertility genes in Egyptian sheep and goat breeds

One of the effective approaches for genetic improvement of productivity traits in farm animals is markerassisted selection (MAS) depending on the genetic markers that are associated with superior productivity traits. The improvement of fertility trait is one of the main targets in small ruminant breeding programs. This work aimed to identify RFLPs and SNPs variations among three fertility genes in Egyptian sheep and goat breeds. RFLP analysis of the amplified fragments at 462-bp from exon 1 of GDF9 using HpaII endonuclease showed the presence of two genotypes GG and AG. Depending on the presence of the restriction site of TaqI endonuclease (T^CGA) in the 348-bp amplified fragment from exon 5 of GPR54 gene, the results showed the presence of two alleles, C and T with three genotypes, viz. CC, TT and CT. The PCR amplified fragments of 190-bp from FecB gene were digested with AvaII restriction enzyme and the results showed that all tested animals had the same homozygous non-carrier genotype (++). It was concluded that the identification of genetic structure and nucleotide sequences of GDF9, GPR54 and FecB genes is considered the first step towards the genetic improvements of fertility trait in Egyptian small ruminants where these genes are associated with different fertility traits parameter like ovulation rate, ovarian follicular development, puberty and litter size in small ruminant breeds.

Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms of the KAP1.1 and KAP1.3 Genes on Wool Characteristics in Egyptian Sheep

Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms of the KAP1.1 and KAP1.3 Genes on Wool Characteristics in Egyptian Sheep

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Egyptian sheep and goats

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of animals, including small ruminants. Sheep and goats are considered as biological indicators for the contamination of the environment with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. In addition, in countries such as Egypt, where sheep and goat meat is frequently consumed, T. gondii infection in small ruminants may also pose a public health risk. To establish baseline estimates of the prevalence of T. gondii infection in Egyptian small ruminants, we used an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the seroprevalence in 398 sheep from four Egyptian governorates (Cairo, Giza, Dakahlia and Sharkia) and in 100 goats from Dakahlia. The positive and negative agreements of both tests were calculated and the true prevalence was estimated using a Bayesian approach.ResultsThe true prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii as determined by both tests was higher in Egyptian goats (62%) than in sheep for each province (between 4.1 and 26%). Sheep slaughtered at the Cairo abattoir had the lowest true prevalence (4.1%), while true prevalences in Dakahlia, Giza and Sharkia governorates (26%, 23% and 12%, respectively) were substantially higher.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii may indicate an important role of goat and sheep in the transmission of human toxoplasmosis in Egypt, given the habit of eating undercooked grilled mutton.

Microsatellite-Based Genetic Diversity among Egyptian Sheep Breeds

Sheep represent one of the most important domestic animals in Egypt, where meat and coarse wool production are the basic breeding objectives for Egyptian sheep. Therefore, evaluation of genetic diversity of sheep breeds is necessary for implementing the most suitable breed-region conservation programs. Animals from the three major Egyptian sheep breeds (Ossimi, Rahmani and Barki) were genotyped for 14 microsatellite markers. All loci tested were highly polymorphic. Various measures of genetic variation were calculated. The total observed number of alleles per microsatellite ranged from 6 to 12 for markers MAF65 and OarHH47, respectively. Estimates of effective number of alleles were between 3.11 for TGLA53 and 6.12 for OarHH47. The mean of polymorphism information content was 0.73. Overall gene diversity for all microsatellites analyzed was 0.66, 0.69 and 0.75 for Ossimi, Rahmani and Barki, respectively. For all breeds studied, estimates of observed heterozygosity were significantly lower than the expected heterozygosity. Average observed and expected heterozygosity estimates were 0.55 and 0.67, respectively. Significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) due to heterozygote deficiency were observed for all the markers analyzed. The three breeds revealed significant deviation from HWE. The overall indicator of population subdivision (FST) was calculated to be 0.071; pointing out that about 7% of genetic diversity is due to genetic variation between breeds. Estimates of total inbreeding (FIT) and within-breed inbreeding (FIS) coefficients were 0.187 and 0.118, respectively. The estimates of pair-wise genetic differentiation were 0.039, 0.051 and 0.056 for Ossimi-Rahmani, Barki-Rahmani and Ossimi-Barki pairs, respectively. Measures of genetic distance between pairs of sheep breeds ranged from 0.423 to 0.615 for Rahmani-Ossimi and Barki-Ossimi sheep breed pairs. The results obtained in this study may be useful in sustainable breeding programs of Egyptian sheep breeds.

Genetic Polymorphism of KRT1.2 Gene and its Association with Improving of Some Wool Characteristics in Egyptian Sheep

Genetic Polymorphism of KRT1.2 Gene and its Association with Improving of Some Wool Characteristics in Egyptian Sheep

Study of genetic polymorphism in BMPRIB gene and its association with improving twin production in Egyptian sheep and goats

Study of genetic polymorphism in BMPRIB gene and its association with improving twin production in Egyptian sheep and goats

Quality Assessment of Nutritional Value and Safety of Different Meat

Objective: Study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the microbiological quality of mutton, beef and camel meat. Methods: A total of 30 musculus Biceps femoris muscles (breed: Egyptian sheep, cattle; camel: male, one-day postmortem, muscle pH: 5.75-5.95, 250 g weight) were purchased from Ismailia city abattoir. The mean moisture, fat, protein and ash content for mutton were 73.4, 3.2, 22.3 and 1.1 respectively, for beef meat were 68.5, 12.2, 18.1 and 1.3 respectively and for camel meat were 75.8, 1.7, 21.3 and 1.2. Results: Meat chemical compositions of mutton and camel were significantly higher (P<0.05) than recorded for beef meat. The mean values of aerobic plate count for of mutton, beef and camel meat were 6.0, 5.6 and 4.5 Log CFU/g respectively. The mean values of total proteolytic counts for of mutton, beef and camel meat were 4.5, 3.5 and 3.2 Log CFU/g respectively. The mean values of total lipolytic counts for of mutton, beef and camel meat were 4.4, 4.0 and 2.2 Log CFU/g. respectively. The total yeast and mold counts were significantly higher (P<0.05) in mutton followed by beef then camel meat. Conclusion and recommendation: The results of this study recommend that more stringent inspection and regular supervision and/or monitoring of hygiene practices in the abattoir to ensure production of good quality meat of high nutritive values.

PCR-RFLP of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15/FecX) gene as a candidate for prolificacy in sheep

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15/FecX) gene is considered one of the major genes and a candidate marker for the reproduction in farm animals, especially sheep. The present study aimed to detect the genetic polymorphisms of BMP15 gene in sheep using PCR-RFLP technique. In the present study, 115 ewes were assigned into high and low prolificacy categories according to their reproductive history. In high prolific group (n = 20), ewes produced twins more than single births. In the low prolific type (n = 95), the ewes produced single births more than twins. DNA was extracted from blood samples of all ewes, subjected to PCR-RFLP analysis and confirmed by sequence analysis. The PCR products of 356 bp size were cut with HinƒI restriction enzyme. Three digested fragments of 70, 117 and 169 bp were obtained in both types of sheep. All animals were homozygous with CC genotype. In conclusion, the accessible findings did not detect any mutation in FecX gene in sheep, regardless their prolificacy. Therefore, further attempts are necessary to detect other SNP for BMP-15 gene in Egyptian sheep breeds.

Molecular and serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and sheep in Egypt.

To investigate molecular and serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in pregnant women and sheep in Egypt. Blood samples collected from healthy 364 pregnant women and 170 sheep were investigated for T. gondii antibodies and parasitemia using highly specific and sensitive surface antigen (TgSAG2) based enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overall prevalence of T. gondii was 51.76%, 17.65% in sheep, 33.79%, 11.81% in pregnant women, using ELISA and RT-PCR respectively. Significant differences in T. gondii prevalence were observed on the basis of contact with cats or soil in pregnant women using either RT-PCR or ELISA. In pregnant women, a significant increase was detected in aged and those eating under-cooked mutton using simultaneous ELISA/RT-PCR. Consumption of under-cooked infected mutton is an important source of human infection and the combination of the two assays provide accurate and precise data during infection.

Prevalence and Identity of Taenia multiceps cysts “Coenurus cerebralis” in Sheep in Egypt

Coenurosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage (Coenurus cerebralis) of the canids cestode Taenia multiceps. C. cerebralis particularly infects sheep and goats, and pose a public health concerns. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence and molecular identity of C. cerebralis infecting sheep in Egypt. Infection rate was determined by postmortem inspection of heads of the cases that showed neurological manifestations. Species identification and genetic diversity were analyzed based on PCR-sequence analysis of nuclear ITS1 and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase (ND1) gene markers. Out of 3668 animals distributed in 50 herds at localities of Ashmoun and El Sadat cities, El Menoufia Province, Egypt, 420 (11.45%) sheep showed neurological disorders. Postmortem examination of these animals after slaughter at local abattoirs indicated to occurrence of C. cerebralis cysts in the brain of 111 out of 420 (26.4%), with overall infection rate 3.03% of the involved sheep population. Molecular analysis of representative samples of coenuri at ITS1 gene marker showed extensive intra- and inter-sequence diversity due to deletions/insertions in the microsatellite regions. On contrast to the nuclear gene marker, considerably low genetic diversity was seen in the analyzed mitochondrial gene markers. Phylogenetic analysis based on COI and ND1 gene sequences indicated that the generated sequences in the present study and the reference sequences in the database clustered in 4 haplogroups, with more or less similar topologies. Clustering pattern of the phylogenetic tree showed no effect for the geographic location or the host species.

Genetic polymorphism of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene related to fecundity in two Egyptian sheep breeds.

This study explores polymorphisms in the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene (exon 1) with respect to fertility in Egyptian sheep. Blood samples were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted from 24 Saidi and 13 Ossimi ewes. A 710 bp portion of theGDF9 gene, was amplified using specific primers, and the sequence was analyzed to clarify the phylogenetic relationship of Egyptian breed sheep. In addition, the PCR-RFLP method using Pst1 or Msp1 restriction enzymes was used to mask polymorphisms of partial exon 1 of GDF9 gene to establish molecular markers for twinning. The lambing rate percentage and litter size showed significant difference between ewes, which produce single and twin lamb for each breed individually, whereas the coefficient of variation of the Saidi breed is greater than that of the Ossimi breed. The results suggested that the GDF9 gene shared a similarity in sequence compared to six accession numbers of Ovis aries found in GenBank. Molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed based on nucleotide sequences in order to examine the position of the Egyptian breeds among many other sheep breeds. The results indicate that accession number AF078545 of O. aries is closely related with Saidi and Ossimi ewes that produce single or twin lamb using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis. Results showed that Msp1 enzyme digestion revealed polymorphic restriction pattern consisting of one band with 710bp for ewes producing single lamb and two bands with 710 and 600bp for ewes producing twin lamb in Saidi sheep breed. Sequenceanalysis and diversity of polymorphisms inthe GDF9 gene (exon 1) have a novelbase substitution (A-T) for detection of FecG mutations that serveas a molecular marker for twinning.

Genetic screening of FecB, FecXG and FecXI mutations and their linkage with litter size in Barki and Rahmani sheep breeds.

Characterization of fecundity genes offers the opportunity to improve production efficiency, and the consequent increase in litter size in livestock industry, through utilizing them in breeding programs. The main objective of this study was to detect the BMPR-IB, BMP15 and GDF9 gene mutations and to investigate whether these mutations are associated with litter size in Egyptian sheep breeds. To achieve this goal, 73 adult ewes representing Barki (n=33) and Rahmani (n=40) breeds were used. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) screening approach was used to detect the presence of FecB, FecXG and FecXI mutations in the two selected breeds. Results of this study showed that the three different candidate gene mutations, namely FecB, FecXG and FecXI are not present among these selected populations of the Egyptian breeds. Further studies regarding other mutations and/or other genes, which may influence ovulation rate, should be carried out to determine the type and mode of inheritance of such genes in Egyptian sheep breeds.

Genetic polymorphism detection in bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene related to fecundity in two Egyptian sheep breeds

This study was intended to detect the polymorphism of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene that can act as marker influencing fertility for increasing litter size in Egyptian sheep breeds (191 Saidi and 145 Ossimi females). In this study, the mean litter size, showed highly significant between Saidi and Ossimi sheep breads, however, litter size of Saidi white sheep was significantly decreased compared to black and brown. Blood samples were collected from 19 Saidi and 13 Ossimi female and then genomic DNA was extracted. A portion of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene, 310 bp was amplified using specific primers, and was sequenced and analyzed to clarify the phylogenetic relationship of Egyptian breed sheep. The data suggested that the gene shared a similarity in sequence compared to 9 accession numbers of Ovis aries found in GenBank. Molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed based on nucleotide sequences in order to examine the position of the Egyptian breeds among many other sheep breeds. The results indicate that 5 accession numbers of Ovis aries are closely related with Ossimi and Saidi female that produce single or twins lamb in UPGMA analysis. In addition, PCR-RFLP method using Pst1 and Msp1 restriction enzymes was used to mask polymorphisms of partial exon 2 in 18 female sheep. Results showed that FecX gene was monomorphic and disagreement with litter size, therefore, it is indispensable to survey other gene in order to establish marker assisted selection technique.

Identity of Fasciola spp. in sheep in Egypt.

BackgroundIn Egypt, liver flukes, Fasciola spp. (Digenea: Fasciolidae), have a serious impact on the farming industry and public health. Both Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica are known to occur in cattle, providing the opportunity for genetic recombination. Little is known on the identity and genetic variability of Fasciola populations in sheep.MethodsThis study was performed to determine the prevalence of liver flukes in sheep in Menofia Province as a representative area of the delta region in Egypt, as measured by postmortem examination of slaughtered animals at three abattoirs. The identity and genetic variability of Fasciola spp. in slaughtered animals were determined by PCR-sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes.ResultsPhysical inspection of the liver indicated that 302 of 2058 (14.7%) slaughtered sheep were infected with Fasciola spp. Sequence analysis of the ITS1 and nad1 genes of liver flukes from 17 animals revealed that 11 animals were infected with F. hepatica, four with F. gigantica, and two with both species. Seventy eight of 103 flukes genetically characterized from these animals were F. hepatica, 23 were F. gigantica, and two had ITS1 sequences identical to F. hepatica but nad1 sequences identical to F. gigantica. nad1 sequences of Egyptian isolates of F. gigantica showed pronounced differences from those in the GenBank database. Egyptian F. gigantica haplotypes formed haplogroup D, which clustered in a sister clade with haplogroups A, B and C circulating in Asia, indicating the existence of geographic isolation in the species.ConclusionsBoth F. hepatica and F. gigantica are prevalent in sheep in Egypt and an introgressed form of the two occurs as the result of genetic recombination. In addition, a geographically isolated F. gigantica population is present in the country. The importance of these observations in epidemiology of fascioliasis needs to be examined in future studies.

English

The genetic improvement of production traits can be developed through marker assisted selection. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a member of the somatotrophic axis which has a remarkable variation of its biological effect including protein synthesis and skeletal growth. This study aimed to detect the genetic polymorphism of IGF-1 in different Egyptian sheep and goat breeds. The amplified fragments at 320-bp were digested with HaeIII endonuclease and the results show the presence of three different genotypes: CC (15.71%), CG (29.29%) and GG (55.0%). The nucleotide sequence analysis of C and G alleles declared the presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism (C&rarr;G) at position 282. The nucleotide sequences of alleles C and G in sheep and goat were submitted to GenBank with the accession number: KX432965, KX432966, KX432967 and KX432968, respectively. In conclusion, a nucleotide substitution (C&rarr;G) was detected in IGF-I gene in Egyptian sheep and goat breeds resulting in the presence of three different genotypes; CC, CG and GG. The association of IGF-I polymorphism with different growth trait parameters were reported at significant levels, so, the genetic and SNP variations in IGF-I gene may be a potential molecular marker for growth traits in different Egyptian sheep and goat breeds. Key words: IGF-1, polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), DNA sequencing, sheep, goat.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphism in ovine Calpain gene and growth performance in three Egyptian sheep breeds.

The aim of the present study was to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Calpain (CAPN) gene with birth weight (BW), final weight (FW) and average daily gain (ADG) in three Egyptian sheep breeds: Barki, Rahmani and Ossimi. Blood samples were collected from 108 animals representing the three breeds. DNA was isolated using salting out procedure and then the quality and quantity of DNA extracted were measured. A 190 bp of CAPN was amplified by PCR using specific primers. The allele and genotype frequencies for all the identified SNPs were calculated. The PCR products corresponding to each genotype were sequenced to identify SNPs associated with the traits in question. Two SNPs (C→T) were detected in the nucleotides 44 and 154. For each SNP, the two mentioned alleles were named C and T, respectively. The sequenced CAPN segments were subjected to nucleotide blast at NCBI, which revealed 99% identity with that reported for sheep in Genbank. The TT was the least common genotype, whereas frequencies of CT and CC genotypes were fluctuated in the three sheep breeds under study. Animal carrier TT genotype had higher BW, FW and ADG than those with CT genotype, while the lowest values were associated with CC genotype. For the three traits under study, Rahmani had the highest estimates followed by Ossimi and Barki. Males exhibited heavier BW and FW as well as higher ADG compared with females. The results generated provide preliminary indication of the functional diversity present in Barki, Rahmani and Ossimi sheep and the possibility of using this polymorphism in Egyptian sheep genetic improvement.