Abstract

LUNA PALOMERA, Carlos  and  ALONSO MORALES, Rogelio Alejandro. Genes with major effect on fertility in sheep: Review. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2014, vol.5, n.1, pp.107-130. ISSN 2448-6698.

The genetic study on sheep breeds with naturally high ovulation rate (OR) and prolificacy, has allowed to detect the participation of several genes. Among them there are the ones related to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily (BMPRIB, GDF9 and BMP-15), as well as to other genes with major effect, such as the distal-less homeobox 3' (FecL), estrogen receptor (ESR), prolactin receptor (PRLR) and inhibin receptor (INHA and INHB). However, sheep homozygous for the majority of the allelic variants in BMP-15 or GDF9 are sterile, for which it is important the understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of these polymorphisms, for their use in rational programs of genetic improvement on prolificacy. Polymorphism in the melatonin gene (MTNR1) has been associated with non-reproductive seasonality in sheep. Selecting several sheep breeds for these characteristics has significantly reduced the seasonal anoestrus, showing reproductive activity during spring and summer. It seems that these genes in some breeds may be interacting additively and an allelic variant in a breed may not be present in other, or two be present at the same time; therefore, the understanding of the genetic mechanisms that affect ovulation rate and prolificacy are important for the selection of reproductive traits.

Keywords : Fecundity genes; BMP-15; BMPRIB; ALK6; ESR; Inhibin; MTNR1; PRLR.

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