Detecting a deletion in the coding region of the bovine bone morphogenetic protein 15 gene (BMP15)

The aim of this study was to detect polymorphism in the bovine bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) gene. On the basis of PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing, a 4-bp deletion was identified in the coding region of the gene. Sequence analysis revealed that the deletion altered the reading frame and introduced a stop codon at position 264. Eight breeds (Luxi, Qinchuan, Nanyang, Jinnan, Bohai Black, Menggolian, Holstein, and Simmental) were genotyped by PCR-SSCP. No cows homozygous for this mutation were observed in these breeds. Heterozygous cows were detected in Luxi, Qinchuan, Nanyang, Jinnan and Bohai Black cattle. Fecundity was not increased in heterozygous individuals.