title: Screening of indigenous goats for prolificacy associated DNA markers of sheep.
abstract: The present study was undertaken to explore the genetic basis of caprine prolificacy and to screen indigenous goats for prolificacy associated markers of sheep in BMPR1B, GDF9 and BMP15 genes. To detect the associated mutations and identify novel allelic variants in the candidate genes, representative samples were collected from the breeding tract of indigenous goat breeds varying in prolificacy and geographic distribution. DNA was extracted and PCR amplification was done using primers designed or available in literature for the coding DNA sequence of candidate genes. Direct sequencing was done to identify the genetic variations. Mutations in the candidate genes associated with fecundity in sheep were not detected in Indian goats. Three non-synonymous SNPs (C818T, A959C and G1189A) were identified in exon 2 of GDF9 gene out of which mutation A959C has been associated with prolificacy in exotic goats. Two novel SNPs (G735A and C808G) were observed in exon 2 of BMP15 gene.
authors.affiliation: National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India. sonika.ahlawat@gmail.com
authors.forename: Sonika
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahlawat
authors.forename: Rekha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maitra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055430:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 / Q000235:genetics*; D052005:Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics*; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics*; D006041:Goats; D055429:Growth Differentiation Factor 9 / Q000235:genetics*; D008098:Litter Size / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D012756:Sheep
chemical_list: D055430:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15; D005819:Genetic Markers; D055429:Growth Differentiation Factor 9; D052005:Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I