Association of FST Gene Polymorphism and Litter Size with Reproductive Hormones in Iraqi Awassi Ewes During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Association of FST Gene Polymorphism and Litter Size with Reproductive Hormones in Iraqi Awassi Ewes During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Ali Basim Abd Al-Hadi*, Tahreer Mohammed Al-Thuwaini, Mohammed Baqur Sahib Al-Shuhaib
ABSTRACT
Many factors affect reproductive traits, including ovulation rate, hormones, and genetics. Genetics and endocrine signal transpositions between the pituitary and the ovary play a crucial role in the reproductive traits of sheep. Genetic polymorphism of candidate genes is associated with economic traits. Follistatin (FST) gene is one of the most notable potential candidate genes linked to economic traits. This study aimed to assess the genetic variation of the FST gene and reproductive hormones in Awassi sheep. Genomic DNA was isolated from 232 sheep (123 with a single pregnancy and 109 with twins); genotyping and sequencing were used to confirm the variants in the amplified fragment of the FST gene (exon 4). Results of the genotyping technique identified three genotypes: CC, CG, and GG. Sequencing analysis revealed a novel mutation c. 25760691 C>G in the CG genotype. Association analysis revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between CC and other genotypes in reproductive hormone levels. Estrogen and progesterone were significantly higher (P≤0.05) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were lower in the CC genotype (85.10 ± 3.11) (pg/ml), (8.82 ± 0.52) (ng/ml), and (13.95 ± 2.71) (ng/ml) respectively compared to a CG and GG genotypes in twins versus singleton gestations. In conclusion, FST gene polymorphism significantly influences reproductive hormone levels in Awassi ewes. Excluding sheep that carry the GG genotypes of FST gene polymorphism suggests being a future study, as this gene could be associated with high reproductive success.
Keywords | FST gene polymorphism, Iraqi Awassi sheep, Pregnancy, Reproductive hormones
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August 2022
Vol. 10, Iss. 8, Pages 1659-1886
