DNA tests in prolific sheep from eight countries provide new evidence on origin of the Booroola (FecB) mutation.
Recent discoveries that high prolificacy in sheep carrying the Booroola gene (FecB) is the result of a mutation in the BMPIB receptor and high prolificacy in Inverdale sheep (FecX(I)) is the result of a mutation in the BMP15 oocyte-derived growth factor gene have allowed direct marker tests to be developed for FecB and FecX(I). These tests were carried out in seven strains of sheep (Javanese, Thoka, Woodlands, Olkuska, Lacaune, Belclare, and Cambridge) in which inheritance patterns have suggested the presence of major genes affecting prolificacy and in the prolific Garole sheep of India, which have been proposed as the ancestor of Australian Booroola Merinos. The FecB mutation was found in the Garole and Javanese sheep but not in Thoka, Woodlands, Olkuska, Lacaune, Belclare, and Cambridge sheep. None of the sheep tested had the FecX(I) mutation. These findings present strong evidence to support historical records that the Booroola gene was introduced into Australian flocks from Garole (Bengal) sheep in the late 18th century. It is unknown whether Javanese Thin-tailed sheep acquired the Booroola gene directly from Garole sheep from India or via Merinos from Australia. The DNA mutation test for FecB will enable breeding plans to be developed that allow the most effective use of this gene in Garole and Javanese Thin-tailed sheep and their crosses.
Davis
George H
GH
Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand. george.davis@agresearch.co.nz
Galloway
Susan M
SM
Ross
Ian K
IK
Gregan
Scott M
SM
Ward
Jamie
J
Nimbkar
Bon V
BV
Ghalsasi
Pradip M
PM
Nimbkar
Chanda
C
Gray
G Douglas
GD
Subandriyo
Inounu
Ismeth
I
Tiesnamurti
Bess
B
Martyniuk
Elzbieta
E
Eythorsdottir
Emma
E
Mulsant
Philippe
P
Lecerf
Frederic
F
Hanrahan
James P
JP
Bradford
G Eric
GE
Wilson
Theresa
T
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D007194:India; D016623:Ion Pumps / Q000235:genetics*; D008098:Litter Size / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D010060:Ovulation / Q000235:genetics*; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D018807:Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics*; D012756:Sheep / Q000235:genetics*; D013045:Species Specificity
D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D016623:Ion Pumps; C069970:FecB protein, E coli; D004247:DNA