Effects of protein supplements on fertility and assessment of the fertility genes (GDF9 and BMP15) in indigenous sheep of Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of protein supplements on fertility and assess the fertility gene (BMP15 and GDP9) in sheep of Bangladesh. Thirty six ewes fed two protein level (Treatment 1, T1 and treatment 2, T2) and no protein supplement ration (control, T0). Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed from blood cell DNA following standard protocols. PCR products were sequenced using Sanger sequencing and MEGA6 software were used for molecular analysis. The conception rate of ewes was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treated group than the control. Gestation period and lambing interval were significantly higher (worse) in control (154.00 ± 0.57 and 186.00 ± 1.24 days) than treated groups. Birth weight of lamb ranged from 1.07 to 1.65 kg and higher birth weight was found in T2 than other groups. Sequence alignment of BMP15 and GDF9 gene in indigenous sheep showed 100% homology with other sheep breed. As no mutation was observed and apparently these genes have no effect on ewe fertility. However, nutritional supplements had a positive impact on reproductive performance. The phylogenetic inferences have close relations of Bangladeshi sheep with other breed elsewhere.