Abstract. Haren HIH, Purwantini D, Sumaryadi MY, Prayitno. 2020. Short Communication: Polymorphism at third exon of the Myostatin gene and its association with growth and carcass traits in Batur sheep. Biodiversitas 21: 2074-2078. The present study aimed to investigate the association between myostatin (MSTN) genotype and two traits, growth and carcass, in Batur sheep. Blood samples representing thirty head were collected and genomic DNA was extracted. A specific primer designed to amplify the MSTN gene, samples sequenced then, used the BioEdit program to identify any mutation. Calculation of genotypes, gene and allele frequencies, heterozygosities, and Chi-square test was performed. Only two alleles observed (G and C) resulted in three genotypes. 11 polymorphic sites were observed, transversion at c.*121G>C, and one individual G>A which disrupted reading frame of whole MSTN sequenced, genotypic and allelic frequencies were 0.552 GG, 0.379 GC, and 0.069 CC, where the allele frequency was 0.741 G and 0.259 C. Lambs that carrying genotype GC had slightly more pre-slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, carcass length, and total yield (lion, shoulder, leg yield, and thigh) compared to those carrying genotype GG. There was no significant effect of the MSTN genotype on carcass traits (p=0.05). Polymorphic site c.*121 G>C is present in Batur sheep for the first time about the association with the MSTN gene however, it has not effects weaning weight, 6-month weight, and studied carcass traits.

The aim of present study was to investigate myostatin gene polymorphism and its association with weaning weight and body weight in Batur sheep, 30 heads of Batur all lambs were fed by concentrated feed. Body weight measured monthly after weaning to the six months of age. DNA Extraction used 200 ul of whole blood samples. To amplify exon 3 region of MSTN gene a specific primer designed using the Primer3 software. The 25 μl volume contained 25 ng of genomic DNA, 12.5 μl 2x Reaction mix of each primer. The cycling protocol was 5 minutes at 95°C as initial denaturation, 35 cycles of denaturing at 94°C for 45 seconds, annealing at 73.9 for 45 seconds, extending at 72°C for 40 s, with final extension at 72°C for 10 minutes. Eleven polymorphic sites were observed in the in 3rd exon region transversions at c.*121 G instead of A, del-T at c.*129, one individual at c.*139 and one individual at c.*158 positions however, one individual sequence disrupted reading frame in whole MSTN sequenced, also weaning weight and 6-month weight of Batur lambs were 21.13±5.70 and 31.64±7.06 to the homozygous whilst 19.99±4.33 and 30.50±5.44 for heterozygote respectively but there is no significe differences seen above all the studied parameters. Homozygous AA lambs had fairly low weaning weight and body weight compared to the heterozygous AB lambs but might have a higher carcass weight, further investigation is needed into the interaction of MSTN with other genes involved in muscle growth.

Molasses can be a source of quick energy and an excellent source of minerals for farm animals and even chickens. Molasses can also be a key ingredient for cost effective management of feeds. The purpose of this research was to study the impact of adding different levels of sugar beet molasses to feed on performance of broilers chickens. Used 112 of commercial broiler (Ross 308) l-day-old chicks were weighed in gram live weight ranged between 50-57g and subsequently placed in the treatment groups in such a way that the mean weights differed as little as possible, chicks divided into four groups replicates of 7 chicks each and reared on deep litter in open housing system. Four replicates were designed to each dietary treatment. at 15-days-old chicks, the unsexed broiler chickens were randomly allotted to four groups of 7 birds each. The four diets consisted of Group (A) as a control diet containing no Molasses, Group (B) was 5 %, Group (C) 7.5 % and Group (D)10%. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. There were no significant differences at all level (P>0.05) of adding beet molasses as source of energy among four experimental groups for the parameter studied: body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion, also there is no mortality however, Use of beet molasses in broiler diets reduced feed cost and feeding of 7.5 % beet molasses decreased cost of feed per kg versus control and increase profitability.

The present study aimed to investigate the association of the CAST genotype and growth traits in Batur sheep. Batur lambs were reared under an intensive feeding system. Bodyweight is measured monthly after weaning until six months of age. Blood representing thirty head were collected, genomic DNA was extracted as samples, and then 200 µl of whole blood samples were used. Specific primers were designed to amplify the CAST gene, samples were sequenced, then the researchers used the BioEdit program to identify any mutation. Calculation of genotypes, gene and allele frequencies, heterozygosities, and Chi-square test was performed. The analysis revealed a total of sixteen polymorphic sites in the CAST coding region. There are four alleles observed (A, G, C, and T), trans-versions at c.92T<G and c.285G>T loci, and transitions at c.214G>A, c.280G>A, c.301C<T, and c.371A>G. One individual disrupted the reading frame in the whole CAST sequenced. The genotype frequency analysis showed the highest predominance of the (TT, GG, CC, and AA) genotypes with frequencies (66.7 %, 62.9 %, 59.3 %, 66.7 %, and 55.6 %) as homozygous. In contrast, the heterozygous (TG, GA, GT, CT, and AG) genotypes were present at lower frequencies (29.6 %, 33.3 %, 37 %, 29.6 %, and 37 %), respectively with four difference alleles (T, G, C, and A). Post-weaning bodyweight till 6-month age of Batur sheep for the heterozygous genotypes at loci (c.92T<G, c.214G>A, c.280G>A, and c.301C<T) was slightly more massive than those carrying homozygous wild-type genotypes (c.285G>T and c.371A>G) with no significant differences (p > 0.5). The lambs with the heterozygous genotype had a significantly higher muscle percentage as a whole, compared to the other genotypes. Polymorphic sites were present in Batur sheep for the first time about the association with the CAST gene. However, the CAST gene might not be a useful marker for developing future selection programs in Batur sheep unless further investigation of the CAST gene and its interactions with other genes involving muscle growth and carcass traits are analyzed through association studies at a large scale. Keywords: genetic variation, CAST gene, association, Batur sheep, growth traits