Polymorphisms Analysis Of BMP15 and GDF9 Gene in Dorper Sheep By Using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) Technique
Asrullah As1, Tri Eko Susilorini1, Wike Andre Septian1, Chairdin Dwi Nugraha1, Rafika Febriani Putri1, Ari Ardiantoro1, Ani Atul Arif1, and Suyadi1*

1Faculty of Animal Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examined BMP15 and GDF9 gene polymorphisms in Dorper sheep and their potential link to prolificacy traits. Blood samples from 17 Dorper ewes with recorded litter sizes were analyzed using PCR-RFLP with HAEIII and HhaI restriction enzymes for BMP15 and GDF9 genes, respectively. Despite observed litter size variations (70.59% single births, 29.41% twin births), PCR-RFLP analysis revealed monomorphic patterns for both genes across all samples. All individuals exhibited wild-type genotypes, with no genetic variation detected at the examined restriction sites. Genotype and allele frequencies were 1 for both genes, resulting in zero heterozygosity and polymorphic information content (PIC) values. These findings suggest that the PCR-RFLP method with the selected restriction enzymes may not effectively detect prolificacy-related genetic variations in Dorper sheep. The discrepancy between genetic homogeneity and phenotypic variability in litter size indicates that other genes or molecular mechanisms may influence prolificacy traits in this breed. Further research using larger sample sizes, alternative genetic markers, and more sensitive techniques is recommended to elucidate the genetic basis of prolificacy in Dorper sheep.

Keywords: Dorper Sheep, BMP15 Gene, GDF9 Gene, Litter Size, PCR-RFLP

Topic: Animal Breeding and Reproduction