Polymorphism of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes and their association with litter size in Markhoz goats

Contents The main objective of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes and their relationship with litter size in Markhoz goats. The polymorphism of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes as well‐documented genes regarding fecundity in sheep and goat was investigated using RFLP‐PCR and a tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐PCR (T‐ARMS‐PCR) in Markhoz goats. The 164 blood samples were collected from the raised goats in Sanandaj Markhoz goat Performance Testing Station. The DNA extraction was carried out by salting‐out procedure, and then, PCR was performed using four and two pairs of primers to detect polymorphism in GDF9 and BMPR1B genes, respectively. To disclose GDF9 loci polymorphism, PCR products were digested with SspI (G3288A), PvuII (G423A), MvaI (A959C) and MspI (G1189A) restriction enzymes. The results showed that these mutations are available in tested animals. Parity had no significant effect on litter size. Also, the effects of different genotypes of GDF9 and BMPR1B had no significant effect on litter size. Further studies with a high number of animals with minimum relatedness for testing the association of these SNPs and others in the fecundity genes with reproductive traits may be worthwhile.