Detection of putative loci affecting milk yield in Turkish Awassi sheep using microsatellite markers

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Quantitative Genetics
• Sheep Breeding

Background:

• Bovine and ovine genome mapping information provides a basis for cross-species genetic analysis.
• Microsatellite markers within Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) regions are valuable for genetic diversity studies.
• Understanding genetic factors influencing milk yield is crucial for improving sheep farming productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze genetic diversity of selected bovine DNA microsatellites in Awassi sheep.
• To investigate the correlation between these microsatellites and average daily milk yield in Awassi sheep.
• To identify specific marker loci associated with milk production traits.

Main Methods:

• Selection of 18 informative microsatellite markers from bovine QTL regions affecting milk yield.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of selected markers on Awassi sheep genomic DNA.
• Fragment analysis for allele frequency determination and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for association with milk yield.

Main Results:

• The allele 123 bp at the BMS1341 marker locus (BTA2) significantly influenced average daily milk yield (P < 0.01).
• Several other loci (BMS381, MCM140, BMS2721, BM1237, BMS1967, BM4208, INRA) on different chromosomes showed moderately significant effects (P < 0.05).
• Genetic polymorphism within the Awassi sheep flock was assessed using these markers.

Conclusions:

• Specific microsatellite markers, particularly BMS1341, are associated with milk yield in Awassi sheep.
• These findings support the use of bovine-derived markers for genetic analysis in sheep.
• The identified markers can be utilized for marker-assisted selection to enhance milk production in Awassi sheep breeding programs.