FecB基因在9个绵羊品种中的多态性及其与产羔数和羔羊生长发育的相关性

以绵羊BMPR-IB基因为候选基因,应用PCR-RFLP方法通过分析湖羊、夏洛来、陶赛特、萨福克、罗米丽、中国美利奴羊、中国美利奴肉用多胎品系以及陶赛特×中国美利奴羊和萨福克×中国美利奴羊杂交后代共615只个体的FecB基因多态性,以及BMPR-IB基因多态性对产羔数、体尺和体重的影响.结果表明,BMPR-IB基因在不同品种(系)绵羊中共有3种基因型(BB、B+和++),但基因型频率分布在各品种(系)间差异极显著(P<0.01).在湖羊中仅有BB基因型;在中国美利奴肉用多胎品系中BB、B+和++基因型频率分别为51%、30%和19%;而其他品种(系)羊中则仅有++基因型.对中国美利奴羊肉用多胎品系研究,发现BB和B+基因型群体平均产羔数分别为2.8和2.3,显著高于++基因型群体(1.2,P<0.01).在90日龄时,BB和B+基因型群体的体重分别为18.6±3.70 kg和18.0±3.31 kg,显著高于++基因型群体(15.6±2.22kg,P<0.05);此外,90日龄时,BB和B+基因型群体比++基因型群体胸围、胸宽较大(P<0.05);但这些差异在120日龄时消失.另外,我们还发现不同地区群体的第一胎产羔数存在明显差别.这些结果表明,BMPR-IB基因为影响绵羊产羔数的主效基因,并首次证明该基因对后代羔羊出生后生长发育具有加性效应.     

Polymorphism of FecB Gene in Nine Sheep Breeds or Strains and Its Effects on Litter Size, Lamb Growth and Development

Nine sheep breeds or strains, including 615 individuals were screened with forced PCR RFLP method for the FecB gene to study the polymorphism and its effects on litter size, body weight and body size. Results showed that the polymorphism frequencies of FecB gene were significantly imbalanced in these breeds or strains. The Hu sheep were all homozygous carriers of FecB gene(BB). In the Chinese Merino prolific meat strain, the genotype frequencies of BB, B+ and ++ were 51%, 30% and 19%, respectively, whereas all the other flocks had only the wild-type (++) genotype. Results within the Chinese Merino prolific meat strain showed that the mean litter size of ewes with genotype BB and B+ were 2.8 (±0.74) and 2.3 (±0.63) (P<0.05). whereas ++ genotype ewes had a litter size of only 1.2 (±0.68) (P<0.01). At day 90 after birth, the body weights of BB/B+ genotype lambs were higher than that of ++ genotype lambs (18.6±3.70 kg. 18.0±3.71 kg vs 15.6±2.22 kg, P<0.05). In addition, the heart girth and chest width of BB/B+ genotype lambs were significantly longer than those of the ++ lambs (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in either body weight or body size at day 120. Litter size at first lambing from Hu at Natural Source Conservative Region was found to be significantly higher than that from the other two regions sampled (P<0.05). In addition to the additive effect on litter size, these findings showed for the first time that the FecB gene had a positive effect on early postnatal body growth.     

A review of the effects of the Booroola gene (FecB) on sheep production

Booroola Merino (B^oM) ewes have a high ovulation rate and litter size which in 1980 was postulated to be due to the effects of a major gene (FecB). This was confirmed in breeding experiments and FecB was subsequently shown to be due to a mutation (BMPR-1B) on chromosome 6. The B^oM originated from an Australian commercial fine wool Merino flock (Booroola) and has been used in crossing experiments and for introgression of FecB into many breeds around the world to improve fecundity. The mutation has recently been found in native sheep breeds in India, China and Indonesia and it is likely that FecB in the Australian B^oM was derived from importations of Garole sheep from India in 1792 and 1793.The effects on production traits of the FecB mutation in a range of genetic comparisons, environments and production systems are reviewed. Comparisons involving B^oM crosses with various other breeds and contrasts of FecB homozygous (BB), heterozygous (B+) and non-carrier (++) genotypes in comparable background genotypes, including non-B^oM, have been summarised from 45 reports. The weighted mean effect for ewes carrying one copy of FecB (B+) was +1.3 (range +0.8 to +2.0) for ovulation rate and +0.7 (range +0.4 to +1.3) for litter size. The effect of a second copy (BB) was generally additive for ovulation rate, with little or no increase in litter size for BB ewes among B^oM crosses. However there was generally a further increase in litter size for BB ewes of about half the effect of one copy (B+) in the Indian and Chinese breeds. Poor lamb survival and lamb growth reduced the number of lambs weaned and total weight of lamb weaned by B+ ewes. Most studies still showed a small advantage for B+ ewes, although several reported negative effects. While embryo survival declines at higher ovulation rates, the effects of FecB per se are equivocal. There is some evidence of a higher non-pregnancy rate among homozygous BB ewes. Most studies reported lower birth weight and growth rate from B^oM cross lambs and lambs from crossbred ewes introgressed with FecB. However it is difficult to separate the effects of low background genetic merit for growth of the B^oM and the lower birth weight and growth rate of lambs from larger litters from the genetic effect of carrying FecB. There was little or no difference in growth rate between BB, B+ and ++ genotype lambs. For other traits including, seasonal oestrous activity, carcass and meat quality and wool production, there was no evidence of major effects of FecB. The opportunities for management and nutritional modification of FecB expression and implications for industry adoption are briefly discussed.     

Effects of the Booroola (FecB) genotypes on growth performance, ewe's productivity efficiency and litter size in Garole x Malpura sheep

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of FecB genotypes on body weight, average daily gain (ADG), ewe's productivity efficiency (EPE) and litter size in FecB introgressed GarolexMalpura (GM) crossbred sheep. A total of 235 GM lambs were selected randomly and screened for FecB mutation using forced RFLP-PCR. The majority (69.8%) of GM individuals were carriers (BB and B+) for the FecB mutation and frequency of the FecB allele was about 0.40. The FecB genotypes were significantly (P<0.01) associated with the lamb's body weights from birth to 12 months of age. The generation wise (F(1), F(2) and F(3)), lamb's body weight did not differ significantly at birth, 6 and 12 months of the age, while it differed significantly (P<0.05) at 3 and 9 months of age. The ADG1 (0-3 months) was significantly associated (P<0.05), but not the ADG2 (3-6 months) and ADG3 (6-12 months) between genotypes. Type of birth and sex significantly (P<0.01) affected the body weight from birth to 12 months of age; and body weight of single born lambs was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of twins and triplets from birth to 12 months of age. Type of birth significantly (P<0.01) affected the ADG1, but had no significant effect on ADG2 and ADG3. Year of birth did not affect the birth and weaning weights, but it significantly affected (P<0.01) the body weight and ADG's after weaning ages. The EPE was affected significantly (P<0.01) by the FecB genotypes at birth, 3 and 12 months of age. The EPE of B+ and BB ewes were 7.86 kg (36.9%) and 2.32 kg (10.9%) higher as compared to ++ ewes at 12 months of age, respectively. The mean litter size of BB ewes (2.17+/-0.24) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than that of B+ ewes (1.73+/-0.04) and ++ ewes (1.03+/-0.23). The present study indicated that the body weight and ADG of carrier lambs (BB and B+) was comparatively lower than that of non-carriers (++), while EPE of B+ ewes was comparatively higher than that of BB and ++ ewes. Further, it is interesting to note that heterozygous and homozygous state of individuals increased 0.70 and 1.14 extra lambs as compared to non-carriers (++), respectively.     

绵羊微卫星BMS2508和FecB基因的多态及连锁分析

文章分析与绵羊高繁殖力主效基因FecB紧密连锁的微卫星座位BMS2508在高繁殖力绵羊品种(小尾寒羊)和低繁殖力绵羊品种(特克塞尔、多赛特和中国美利奴)中的遗传多态性, 同时探讨该微卫星座位与小尾寒羊FecB基因的连锁不平衡关系。高繁殖力品种小尾寒羊在骨形态发生蛋白受体IB(Bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB, BMPR-IB)基因编码序列第746位碱基处发生了与Booroola Merino绵羊相同的FecB突变(A746G), 而在低繁殖力的特克塞尔、多赛特和中国美利奴绵羊中没有检测到该突变; 小尾寒羊BB、B+、++的基因型频率分别为0.485、0.398和0.117。微卫星座位BMS2508在4个绵羊品种的438个个体中共检测到8个等位基因和15种基因型, 最小等位基因为94 bp, 最大等位基因为116 bp; 小尾寒羊(n = 307)、特克塞尔(n = 45)、多赛特(n = 46)、中国美利奴(n = 40)和BB型(n = 149)、B+型(n = 122)、++型(n = 36)小尾寒羊群体中优势等位基因分别是100 bp、94 bp、94 bp、112 bp、100 bp、100 bp、112 bp, 其频率分别为0.453、0.544、0.802、0.475、0.483、0.439、0.389。连锁不平衡分析显示小尾寒羊FecB基因B等位基因与BMS2508微卫星座位100 bp等位基因之间存在一定的连锁不平衡(D′=0.408), 而+等位基因与BMS2508微卫星座位110 bp和114b p等位基因均存在一定的连锁不平衡(D′=0.513)。     

Polymorphism of 5′ regulatory region of ovine FSHR gene and its association with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of 5?? regulatory region of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene were detected in two high prolificacy sheep breeds (Small Tail Han and Hu sheep) and two low prolificacy sheep breeds (Corriedale and Chinese Merino sheep) by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). The results indicated that there were three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) detected by primer 1 in Hu sheep while only one genotype (AA) in other three sheep breeds, and frequencies of AA, AB and BB genotypes in Hu sheep were 0.700, 0.225 and 0.075, respectively. There were three genotypes (EE, EF and EG) detected by primer 3 in Small Tail Han sheep while only EE genotype occurred in other three sheep breeds, and frequencies of EE, EF and EG genotypes in Small Tail Han sheep were 0.775, 0.200 and 0.025, respectively. No polymorphism was detected in four sheep breeds by primer 2 and primer 4. The sequencing results showed that there were two nucleotide mutations (g. ?681T>C and g. ?629C>T) in genotype BB compared with AA for primer 1. As for primer 3, two mutations (g. ?197G>A and g. ?98T>C) in genotype EF compared with EE and two mutations (g. ?200G>A and g. ?197G>A) in genotype EG compared with EE. The heterozygous ewes with EG or EF had 0.89 (P?<?0.05) or 0.42 (P?<?0.05) lambs more than homozygous ewes (EE genotype) in Small Tail Han sheep, respectively, while there was no significant difference on litter size between EG and EF ewes.     

Studies on effect of Booroola (FecB) genotype on lifetime ewes' productivity efficiency, litter size and number of weaned lambs in Garole x Malpura sheep

The FecB gene of Garole was introgressed into non-prolific Malpura sheep. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of FecB genotypes on cumulative lifetime (three lamb crops) litter size (CLS), cumulative number of weaned lambs (CWL) and cumulative ewe's productivity efficiency (CEPE) in 51 Garole x Malpura (GM) crossbred sheep. The GM ewes of F(1) were selected and screened for FecB mutation using forced RFLP-PCR technique. The majority (78.4%) of F(1) GM individuals were carriers (FecB(B+)) for the FecB mutation. In first parity 55% FecB(B+) ewes gave births to multiple lambs. The FecB genotypes were significantly (P<0.01) associated with the CLS and CWL. The FecB(B+) ewes resulted in 65.6 and 62.1% higher CLS and CWL, respectively compared to non-carriers. The CEPE was also affected significantly by the FecB genotypes at birth, weaning, 6 and 12 months of age. The FecB(B+) ewes weaned 20.9% higher total litter weight as compared to FecB++ ewes and at 12 months age the difference was 43.5% in favor of B+ ewes. The study indicated that the CLS, CWL and CEPE of carrier ewes (FecB(B+)) were comparatively higher than that of non-carriers (FecB++).     

绵羊产羔性状主效基因检测研究

以绵羊BMP15基因和BMPR-IB基因为候选基因,以湖羊、中国美利奴单胎品系、中国美利奴肉用和毛用多胎品系为研究对象,采用PCR-RFLP方法对候选基因进行单核苷酸多态性（SNP）位点检测和基因型分析,同时研究基因对绵羊产羔数的影响。对BMP15基因进行SNP检测,结果未发现多态性位点;对BMPR-IB基因进行多态性检测,结果发现了一个A746 G SNP位点。依据A746 G SNP位点进行基因型分析,结果在各品种（系）羊中发现了3种基因型,即BB、B+和++。等位基因型频率在各品种（系）间差异极显著（P<0.001）,在湖羊中以BB基因型为主,在中国美利奴单胎品系中以++基因型为主, 而在中国美利奴肉用和毛用多胎品系中以B+基因型为主。BMPR-IB A746G位点的变异明显影响绵羊的产羔数,与++基因型母羊相比, BB和B+基因型母羊产羔数明显较多。研究结果同时表明,利用BMPR-IB基因型可以很好的预测母羊的产羔数。研究获得的这些结果强烈表明BMPR-IB为影响绵羊的产羔数的主效基因,可以用于对绵羊产羔数的选择。Abstract: The current study was designed to detect SNPs within BMP15 and BMPR-IB gene and investigate the effect of the genes on sheep litter size. Four sheep lines, HU-Yang, Chinese M erino monotocous, Chinese Merino multiparous for wool production and Chinese Merino multiparous for mutton production, were used in this study. Litter sizes were recorded for each ewe in the four lines. Primers for BMP15 and BMPR-IB gene were designed from database sheep sequence and polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP method. The results showed that there was no polymorphism with BMP15 gene among the four lines, and there was an A / G SNP with BMPR-IB gene at base 746 among the four lines. Three types of genotype (BB, B+ and ++), based on A / G locus, were found within each line. The frequencies of genotypes were significantly different among the lines (P<0.001), with BB genotype primarily existing in HU-Yang, ++ genotype in Chinese Merino monotocous line, and B+ genotype in Chinnese Merino multiparous lines. The A / G mutation influence significantly the sheep litter sizes, and the BB and B+ ewes had significant higher litter sizes than ++ ewes. The results of present study showed simultaneously that the genotype of BMPR-IB was a perfect predictor of the sheep litter sizes. These results intensively indicated that BMPR-IB is a major gene to affect litter size in sheep, and could be used as the molecular genetic marker to select litter size in sheep.     

Investigation of the Booroola (FecB) and Inverdale (FecX(I)) mutations in 21 prolific breeds and strains of sheep sampled in 13 countries

Twenty-one of the world's prolific sheep breeds and strains were tested for the presence of the FecB mutation of BMPR1B and the FecX(I) mutation of BMP15. The breeds studied were Romanov (2 strains), Finn (2 strains), East Friesian, Teeswater, Blueface Leicester, Hu, Han, D'Man, Chios, Mountain Sheep (three breeds), German Whiteheaded Mutton, Lleyn, Loa, Galician, Barbados Blackbelly (pure and crossbred) and St. Croix. The FecB mutation was found in two breeds, Hu and Han from China, but not in any of the other breeds. The 12 Hu sheep sampled were all homozygous carriers of FecB (FecB(B)/FecB(B)) whereas the sample of 12 Han sheep included all three genotypes (FecB(B)/FecB(B), FecB(B)/FecB+, FecB+/FecB+) at frequencies of 0.33, 0.58 and 0.08, respectively. There was no evidence of FecX(I) in any of the breeds sampled.     

BMPR-IB和BMP15基因作为小尾寒羊多胎性能候选基因的研究

以控制BooroolaMerino羊多胎性能的BMPR IB基因 ,以及影响Invedale和Hanna羊排卵数的BMP15基因作为候选基因 ,从分子水平上对小尾寒羊的多胎机制进行研究 ,分析突变位点的特性 ,并通过大规模的群体检测统计推断其遗传效应。实验结果表明 :多胎品种小尾寒羊在BMPR IB基因的相应位置上发生了与BooroolaMerino羊相同的突变 (A74 6G) ,该基因的BB基因型在小尾寒羊群体内为优势基因型 ,且小尾寒羊初产和经产母羊的BB基因型比 ++基因型分别多产 0 97羔 (P <0 0 5 )和 1 5羔 (P <0 0 1) ,推测BMPR IB基因与控制小尾寒羊多胎性能的主效基因存在紧密的遗传连锁。而BMP15基因在小尾寒羊中不存在V31D或Q2 3Ter突变 ,说明小尾寒羊的多胎遗传机制与Romney羊不同 ,因此排除了BMP15突变影响小尾寒羊排卵数的可能性。     

三种绵羊BMP15基因第二外显子多态性及与产羔数的相关性分析

绵羊存在影响多胎性状的不同主效基因,选择影响Romney Hanna绵羊和Cambridge绵羊高繁殖力的骨形态发生蛋白15 (bone morphogenetic protein 15, BMP15)为候选基因,采用PCR-SSCP的方法检测BMP15基因外显子Ⅱ第747位点(T747→C)和755位点(T755→C)在蒙古羊、甘肃高山细毛羊、小尾寒羊三种绵羊母羊中的多态性,同时还研究了上述两处突变对三种绵羊产羔数的影响。表明:(1)一共检测到野生纯合型AA、突变杂合型AB (T747→C)、AC (T755→C)三种不同的基因型,AA为优势基因型,A为优势等位基因;(2)三种基因型在甘肃高山细毛羊中均被检测到,而蒙古羊和小尾寒羊中未检测出AB基因型;(3)突变杂合型蒙古羊(AC)比野生纯合型(AA)的平均产羔数多0.27只(p<0.05)。(4)AC的基因型频率,双羔母羊和多羔母羊均高于单羔母羊。根据以上实验推测,BMP15第755位点发生的T→C突变(AC型)对蒙古羊一胎产双羔影响十分显著,甘肃高山细毛羊中AC基因型的绵羊其产羔数有比AA基因型和AB基因型多的趋势,因此该位点可能是一个影响绵羊高繁殖力潜在的DNA标记。     

Plasma FSH and LH in prepubertal Booroola ewe lambs

Basal plasma concentrations (four 30-min samples) and GnRH-induced release of gonadotrophins were measured every 15 days between 30 and 90 days and at 110 days of age in Merino ewe lambs from the prolific Booroola ('B') flock (n = 18-23), the medium prolificacy ('T') flock (n = 14-20), and the 'O' flock (n = 4-8) of low prolificacy. At ages of 30 and 45 days B ewe lambs had mean basal plasma FSH concentrations of 145 and 122 ng/ml which were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than those seen in T (45 and 53 ng/ml), and O (39 and 38 ng/ml) flock ewes. Between 60 and 110 days of age there were no significant differences between genotypes. The increment in FSH concentrations above basal levels induced by the subcutaneous injection of 100 micrograms synthetic GnRH was only significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in B than T and O genotype ewe lambs at 110 days of age but not at other ages. The basal plasma FSH differences between the B, T and O genotypes at 30 and 45 days of age were not consistently related to the size of litter in which lambs were born. At 30 days of age the mean plasma LH concentration of B, T, and O flock lambs were 2.6 +/- 0.5, 1.2 +/- 0.6 and 0.7 +/- 0.8 ng/ml respectively. These differences were not significant. At later ages there were also no significant differences between the genotypes with respect to basal LH, and the increase in LH induced by exogenous GnRH was always similar for the three genotypes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

GDF9 as a candidate gene for prolificacy of Small Tail Han sheep

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) which controls the fecundity of Belclare, Cambridge, Santa Ines, Moghani, Ghezel and Thoka ewes was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of Small Tail Han sheep. According to the sequence of ovine GDF9 gene, six pairs of primers were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms of two exons of GDF9 gene in both high fecundity breed (Small Tail Han sheep) and low fecundity breed (Dorset sheep) by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). Only the products amplified by primers 2-1 and 2-2 displayed polymorphisms. For primer 2-1, three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were detected in both sheep breeds. Sequencing revealed one silent mutation (G477A) in exon 2 of GDF9 gene in the BB genotype in comparison with the AA, which was known as G3 mutation of GDF9 gene in Belclare and Cambridge ewes. The relationship of least squares means for litter size was AA?>?AB?>?BB in Small Tail Han sheep (P?>?0.05). For primer 2-2, two genotypes (CC and CD) were detected in both sheep breeds. Sequencing revealed one novel single nucleotide mutation (G729T) in exon 2 of GDF9 gene in the CD genotype in comparison with the CC, which resulted in an amino acid change (Gln243His). The ewes with mutation heterozygous genotype CD had 0.77 (P?相似文献   

Sperm motion characteristics of GarolexMalpura sheep evolved in a semi-arid tropical environment through introgression of FecB gene

The arid and semi-arid tropical climates of India are endowed with vast diversity of non-prolific sheep breeds. The GarolexMalpura sheep has been evolved in a semi-arid tropical environment by introgression of FecB gene via artificial insemination of Malpura ewes using diluted semen of prolific microsheep Garole and subsequently multiplied by inter se mating among GarolexMalpura halfbreds. The aim of the present study was to identify FecB mutation in sexually mature GarolexMalpura rams by forced RFLP-PCR of BMPR-1B gene and evaluate: (i) semen production and sperm motion characteristics of GM rams and (ii) influence of age and FecB genotype on their semen attributes. Semen was collected during autumn season from 12 donor rams by artificial vagina on 8 occasions at weekly interval. The overall means of traits which did not differed significantly with age or FecB genotyping were volume (0.72 ml), mass motility (4.44), sperm concentration (2721.56 x 10(6)ml(-1)), curvilinear velocity (134.51 microm/s), motility (81.3%), amplitude of lateral head displacement (6.24 microm), beat frequency (44.43 Hz), sperm head elongation (48.9%) and sperm head area (10.01 microm(2)). The FecB genotyping had a significant effect (P<0.05) on percent linearity and rapid motile sperms, which did not vary significantly with age. Although sperm concentration was higher in FecB(BB) and FecB(B+), compared to FecB(++) genotypes but the effect was non-significant. The age and FecB genotyping had significant effects (P<0.05) on straightness, average path velocity, straight-line velocity and percentage of medium or slow motile sperms. It is concluded that GarolexMalpura rams with introgressed FecB gene are capable of producing good quality semen in a semi-arid tropical climate.     

Differences in ovarian activity between booroola X merino ewes which were homozygous, heterozygous and non-carriers of a major gene influencing their ovulation rate

Differences in the function and composition of individual ovarian follicles were noted in Booroola Merino ewes which had previously been segregated on at least one ovulation rate record of greater than 5 (FF ewes, N = 15), 3-4 (F+ ewes, N = 18) or less than 3 (++ ewes, N = 18). Follicles in FF and F+ ewes produced oestradiol and reached maturity at a smaller diameter than in ++ ewes. In FF (N = 3), F+ (N = 3) and ++ (N = 3) ewes, the respective mean +/- s.e.m. diameters for the presumptive preovulatory follicles were 3.4 +/- 0.3, 4.1 +/- 0.2 and 6.8 +/- 0.3 mm and in each of these follicles the respective mean +/- s.e.m. numbers of granulosa cells (X 10(6)) were 1.8 +/- 0.3, 2.2 +/- 0.3 and 6.6 +/- 0.3. During a cloprostenol-induced follicular phase, the oestradiol secretion rates from FF ewes with 4.8 +/- 0.4 'oestrogenic' follicles, F+ ewes with 3.2 +/- 0.2 'oestrogenic' follicles and ++ ewes with 1.5 +/- 0.02 'oestrogenic' follicles were not significantly different from one another. Moreover, the mean total numbers of granulosa cells from the 'oestrogenic' follicles from each genotype were identical, namely 5.4 X 10(6) cells. Irrespective of genotype the mean weight of each corpus luteum was inversely correlated to the ovulation rate (R = 0.91, P less than 0.001). Collectively, these findings support the notion that the maturation of greater than or equal to 5 follicles in FF ewes and 3-4 follicles in F+ ewes may each be necessary to provide a follicular-cell mass capable of producing the same quantity of oestradiol as that from 1-2 preovulatory follicles in ++ ewes.     

Effects of breed and age on the performance of crossbred hill ewes sourced from Scottish Blackface dams

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of age and breed on the reproductive performance and lamb output of crossbred hill ewes relative to purebred Scottish Blackface (BF). BF ewes were compared alongside Swaledale (SW) × BF, North Country Cheviot (CH) × BF, Lleyn (LL) × BF and Texel (T) × BF ewes on six commercial hill farms across Northern Ireland, on which all the ewes were born and reared. Ewes were mated to a range of sire breeds, balanced across breeds, for up to five successive breeding seasons. Mature live weight of adult BF, SW × BF, CH × BF, LL × BF and T × BF ewes was 52.8, 54.9, 60.3, 55.6 and 58.6 kg (P < 0.001), respectively. Compared with the pure BF, the number of lambs born per ewe lambed was higher with LL × BF and SW × BF (P < 0.05), whereas the number of lambs weaned per ewe lambed was greater for LL × BF and T × BF (P < 0.01). Total litter weight at birth of all the crossbred ewes was heavier (P < 0.01) than the pure BF, except in primiparous 2-year-old ewes. Lambs born to CH × BF and T × BF dams were 0.24 to 0.35 kg heavier at birth (P < 0.01) than the other ewe breeds, whereas lambs born to CH × BF, LL × BF and T × BF dams were, on average, 1.7, 1.3 and 1.5 kg, respectively, heavier (P < 0.01) at weaning than those from BF dams due to their higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain. Compared with the pure BF, total weaned lamb output per ewe lambed was 3.7, 4.8, 6.7 and 5.4 kg heavier (P < 0.05) for SW × BF, CH × BF, LL × BF and T × BF, respectively. However, as a result of the heavier live weight of the crossbred ewes, production efficiency (lamb output per kilogram live weight (W) and lamb output per kilogram metabolic live weight (W0.75)) was higher (P < 0.001) for LL × BF ewes only. For all ewe breeds, litter size at birth per ewe lambed, total lamb birth weight per ewe lambed and litter size at weaning increased (P < 0.001) with age up to 5 years, but decreased in 6-year-old ewes. Average lamb weaning weight and total weaned lamb output per ewe lambed increased (P < 0.001) with age up to 4 years . Production efficiency of the 6-year-old ewes was lower (P < 0.01) than the younger ewes. This study shows that adopting a flock replacement policy based on crossing BF ewes with LL, SW, T and CH sires can lead to significant improvements in the productivity of hill flocks.     

Polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor 1 gene and its association with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep

The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene was studied as a candidate gene for high prolificacy in sheep. Polymorphisms of 5' regulatory region and all four exons of IGF1 gene were detected in Small Tail Han (n?=?277), Hu (n?=?58), Texel (n?=?48) and Dorset (n?=?46) sheep by PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP analysis. A microsatellite polymorphic site and a restriction fragment length polymorphism were shown in the 5' regulatory region of IGF1 gene. The ewes with genotype 123/123?bp had 0.81 (P??0.05) in Small Tail Han sheep. These results preliminarily indicated that these polymorphisms of IGF1 gene could be used in molecular marker-assisted selection for sheep breeding programs.     

The effect of estrogen receptor genotype on litter size and placental traits at term in F2 crossbred gilts

The effect of estrogen receptor (ESR) genotype (two alleles, A and B) on litter size of 275 Large White x Meishan F2 crossbred gilts (73 AA, 126 AB and 76 BB gilts) was tested. In addition, for 63 of these gilts (18 AA, 24 AB, and 21 BB) the effect of ESR genotype on average placental traits at term was tested, since individual placental information was available for 88% of the 628 liveborn piglets. Without affecting average birth weight of the piglets, ESR genotype significantly affected litter size, i.e. AB gilts had larger litters than BB gilts (P < 0.05). Total number born was 11.38+/-0.38, 11.88+/-0.28, and 10.68+/-0.35, while number born alive was 10.45+/-0.39, 11.07+/-0.29, and 9.85+/-0.36 for AA, AB and BB gilts, respectively. Since the B allele in previous research was associated with largest litters, the hypothesis that ESR is a marker rather than the major gene itself is discussed. Average placental length, surface area, and weight including and excluding amnion were not affected by ESR genotype. However, placentae of AB gilts had a significantly lower number of areolae per placenta than BB gilts and had a lower number of areolae/cm2 placenta than AA and BB gilts. Number of areolae was 8945+/-663, 7240+/-619, and 9694+/-633, for AA, AB and BB gilts, respectively. Although the reason for the low number of areolae on placentae in AB gilts is not yet known, the results suggest that the ESR linked major gene for litter size might be involved in the development and activity of endometrial glands.     

Litter size and piglet traits of gilts with different prolactin receptor genotypes

Seventy-seven Large White x Meishan F2 crossbred gilts with prolactin receptor (PRLR) genotype AA (n = 26), AB (n = 36) and BB (n = 15) were compared for teat number (FTm), age at first estrus, gestation length (GL), litter size, and litter means of functional teat number (FTp), birthweight (BW), and pre-weaning growth rate (GR). Own placental information was available for 88% of 620 live-born piglets (62 gilts), since placentae were labeled during farrowing. The effect of PRLR genotype of the mother on average placenta weight (PLW) and placenta efficiency (EFF = BW/PLW), was therefore, also analyzed, PRLR genotype significantly (P < 0.05) affected age at first estrus and, as a result (since the gilts were inseminated at a fixed estrus number), age and bodyweight at insemination. Furthermore, PRLR genotype affected total number of piglets born (TNB, P = 0.056) and number of piglets born alive (NBA, P = 0.072), but it did not affect (P > 0.3) GL, BW or GR, neither before nor after correction for litter size. BB gilts were significantly younger at first estrus and younger and lighter at insemination than AA gilts (P < 0.05). AA gilts had larger TNB (P = 0.047) and tended to have a larger NBA (P = 0.062) than BB gilts. TNB was 11.4 +/- 0.7, 10.8 +/- 0.6, and 8.8 +/- 0.9; NBA was 11.1 +/- 0.6, 10.5 +/- 0.6, and 8.7 +/- 0.9; BW was 1309 +/- 40, 1277 +/- 34, and 1290 +/- 53 g; and GL was 113.6 +/- 0.3, 113.8 +/- 0.3, and 113.5 +/- 0.4 days for AA, AB and BB gilts, respectively. The effects on litter size and age at first estrus are independent effects. PRLR affected PLW (P = 0.050) and EFF (P = 0.066), resulting in a difference between AA and BB gilts. PLW was 160 +/- 9, 181 +/- 7 and 196 +/- 11 g and EFF was 7.6 +/- 0.2, 7.3 +/- 0.2 and 6.7 +/- 0.3 for AA (n = 19), AB (n = 29) and BB (n = 14) gilts, respectively. After correction for TNB, the differences disappeared. Functional teat number of the AA. AB and BB gilts was 15.35 +/- 0.22, 15.53 +/- 0.18, and 15.60 +/- 0.29, respectively, and was not affected by PRLR genotype (P = 0.7). Functional teat number of piglets from AA, AB and BB mothers was 14.20 +/- 0.10, 14.37 +/- 0.08, and 14.63 +/- 0.13, respectively. Piglets from BB mothers had on average larger numbers of functional teats compared to piglets from AA mothers (P = 0.028). In conclusion, PRLR gene is a major gene or marker for age at first estrus, litter size, and litter average of number of functional teats in the Large White x Meishan F2 crossbred gilts studied. The favorable allele for litter size (A allele) is the unfavorable allele for age at first estrus and for litter mean of functional teat number.     

Effect of nutrition and endoparasitic treatment on growth, onset of puberty and reproductive activity in Menz ewe lambs

Ewe lambs of the Ethiopian Menz breed were assigned at weaning (90+/-3 days) to four levels of nutrition (poor, low, medium and high) to achieve different premating growth rates with or without treatment for endoparasites. A concentrate mixture providing 2.5 Mcal/kg dry matter (DM) metabolizable energy and 15.2 g/kg DM digestible protein was used. Improved nutrition increased lamb postweaning average daily weight gain up to puberty by 6 to 26 g/day and the conception rate to first estrus by 9 to 16% while it reduced the mortality rate by 24 to 31% and age at first lambing by 2 to 5 months. Lambs reached puberty (age at first estrus) at 16.9+/-0.1 kg (+/-SEM) or 60% of mature body weight and 350+/-12 days of age. The onset of puberty was advanced by weaning weight (P<0.05), itself being well correlated with birth weight (r = 0.51, P<0.001), and by level of nutrition (high=299+/-19, medium=301+/-18, low=383+/-23 and poor=454+/-31 days, P<0.001) through enhanced growth rate (r = -0.82, P<0.001). No independent effect of drenching for endoparasites on pubertal development was observed (P>0.05), but its interaction with season-of-birth improved the growth of lambs born during the period of short rains (P<0.05). Overall mean litter size at first lambing was 1.07; the twinning rate was 6.5% and the birth weight was 1.9+/-0.1 kg. Up to 13.4% of newborn lambs, averaging 1.3+/-0.6 kg, died on the day of parturition. The results indicate that improved growth rate and body weight, resulting from better postweaning nutrition, affects the attainment of puberty in Menz ewe lambs. Mitigation of nutrition stress and endoparasitic infection depending on season-of-birth would thus increase the annual reproductive rate of breeding ewes and flock productivity.