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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings
Published on: October 25, 2015
[Progress in exploring genes for high fertility in ewes].
1Institute of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China. xingji54@126.com
Yi Chuan = Hereditas
|September 29, 2011
Summary
Major genes like BMPR-IB and GDF-9 significantly influence sheep fecundity and ovulation rates. Understanding these genetic mutations aids in selecting high-fertility breeds and exploring reproductive mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Genetics
- Molecular Endocrinology
Context:
- Sheep fecundity is a crucial trait for livestock productivity.
- Several major genes, including BMPR-IB, BMP-15, and GDF-9, are known to regulate ovulation rate.
- Mutations in these genes can have significant, sometimes complex, effects on fertility.
Purpose:
- To review the source, location, phenotype, and mechanism of major fecundity genes in sheep.
- To consolidate information on genes affecting ovulation rate and fertility.
- To provide insights for selecting breeds with enhanced reproductive potential.
Summary:
- Key genes regulating sheep fecundity include BMPR-IB (with FecB mutation), BMP-15, and GDF-9.
- Mutations in these genes exhibit varied effects: some increase ovulation rate in heterozygotes (e.g., FecGH, FecXI), others in homozygotes (FecGE), and some lead to sterility in homozygotes.
- Additional genes like Woodlands and Lacaune also impact ovulation rate, with effects ranging from 0.4 to 1.5 extra ovulations per copy of a mutation.
Impact:
- Facilitates the selection of sheep breeds with naturally high fertility.
- Enhances understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovulation rate regulation.
- Provides a foundation for genetic improvement programs in sheep production.
