TY - JOUR ID - 167935 TI - Novel single nucleotide polymorphism in the prolactin gene of Awassi ewes and its role in the reproductive traits JO - Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences JA - IJVS LA - en SN - 1607-3894 AU - Al-Thuwaini, Tahreer M. AD - Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Al-Qasim, Babil 51001, Iraq Y1 - 2021 PY - 2021 VL - 35 IS - 3 SP - 429 EP - 435 KW - polymorphism KW - Prolactin gene KW - Reproduction KW - sheep DO - 10.33899/ijvs.2020.126973.1423 N2 - This study was conducted to determine the genetic variation of the prolactin (PRL) gene in 5' flanking region and its role with several reproductive traits in Awassi sheep. One-hundred six Iraqi sexually mature and healthy Awassi ewes that aged between 2 and 2.5 years were included in this study. Ewes were classified into two the main divisions: ewes producing twins and ewes producing single offspring. Two genotypes (AA and AT) were observed in Awassi sheep. While genotype AA was detected in Awassi ewes that produced twins, genotype AT was detected in ewes that produced a single offspring. The sequencing reactions identified nine SNPs in the prolactin gene at the 5′ flanking region in Awassi sheep, differing from the prolactin reference sequence (GenBank accession number X16641.1). Genotype AT possessed one single nucleotide polymorphism SNP substitute comparison with the AA genotype in Awassi ewes. The association analysis revealed that the AA genotype is characterized by significantly higher levels of the progesterone concentration, twinning ratio, fecundity, and prolificacy than the AT genotype. In conclusion, a new SNP (g.1209 A>T) was discovered within the ovine flanking region which potentially influences prolactin gene expression. These results showed that the genotype AA associated with high prolificacy of Awassi sheep may be used as a selection criterion for improving the reproductive performance of Iraqi Awassi sheep. UR - https://www.vetmedmosul.com/article_167935.html L1 - https://www.vetmedmosul.com/article_167935_60f02f9955d129a008e68902223fa033.pdf ER -