Investigation of Booroola fecundity gene polymorphism and its correlation with litter size in Sirohi and Barbari goat breeds

Abstract

The current investigation aimed to analyze the polymorphic variants of the Booroola fecundity gene and their correlation with litter size in Sirohi and Barbari goat breeds. For this purpose, PCR-RFLP analysis was employed, wherein amplified PCR products from both breeds were subjected to digestion using the AvaII restriction enzyme. Upon electrophoresis on a 2% agarose gel, a single, distinct band was observed for the gene in question, suggesting a lack of polymorphism. Only the A allele was identified in both breeds, with allele frequencies of 1.00 for A and 0.00 for B. As a result, the genotype distribution was exclusively AA, with no presence of AB or BB genotypes, showing genotype frequencies of 1.00, 0.00, and 0.00, respectively. Chi-square test results indicated that both goat populations conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Additionally, a comparative assessment of litter size between the breeds showed a significant difference (p<0.05). The Barbari goats exhibited a notably higher litter size compared to Sirohi goats.