Relationship of POU1F1 gene polymorphism with some of economical traits in Iraqi awassi ewes

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of POU1F1 gene polymorphism with total milk production (TMP) and fecundity by using 60 Iraqi Awassi ewes in the First Research Station/College of Agriculture/ AL-Muthanna University. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect polymorphisms of POUIF1gene in this sheep breed. Results of gene which encloses the EcoR1 endonuclease restriction enzyme showed two genotypes (MM and NN). The frequencies of the M and N alleles differed significantly (P˂0.01) in the samples, were 0.58 and 0.42 respectively. The results showed the absence of hetero genotype (MN). Results showed no significant effect of genotypes on TMP or lactation period, TMP was 71.59 and 73.52 kg for MM and NN genotypes respectively while the lactation period was 109.74 and 109.14 day for MM and NN genotypes respectively. Litter size was affected significantly (P˂0.01) by POU1F1 genotype, the highest litter size was in MM group (1.23) while the least litter size was in NN group (1.08).