Mc4r gene polymorphism associated with hematology parameters of Awassi and Arabi Iraqi sheep

Abstract EN

Blood parameters are among the basic growth traits that need to be studied because they are useful for assessing the physiological condition of breeds that are different according to the breed, sex, physiological status, and genotype of the animal.

Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possibility of an association between the polymorphism of the MC4R gene (exon 1) with hematology parameters in Iraqi Awassi and Arabi sheep.

A total of 150 sexually mature and healthy sheep aged between 2 to 3 years were included in this study.

DNA samples were extracted from each blood sample sheep and the genetic analysis were included PCR-SSCP and direct sequencing.

Result of the present study identified three genotypes for the MC4R gene (exon 1) (AA, AC, and GC).

Two missense SNPs g.59349260G>C and g.59349291A>C were identified in exon1 MC4R gene that was responsible for the observed heterogeneity in both breeds.

The amount of RBC, Hb, and PCV% , WBC, lymphocyte, granulocyte, lymphocyte% , and granulocyte % were significantly higher (p<0.05) in awassi than Arabi breed and sex male than female.

The genotype AC showed higher accounts of RBC, Hb, PCV% , MCHC, accounts of WBC, lymphocyte, lymphocyte% and granulocyte % relative to other genotypes.

In summary, Awassi breed and the sex factor are effecting on blood parameters.

The two novel SNP (107G/C and 138 A/C) were highly associated with hematology parameters.

The AC genotype was preponderant genotype affecting the sheep growth traits and recommended to be selected and fixed in sheep production.