The leptin gene's polymorphism and how it relates to the Awassi sheep's physical characteristics

Abstract

The study was conducted at the sheep and goat research station, at Al-Shatrah District, Thi-Qar Agriculture Directorate, Thi-Qar Governorate, from 1/11/2021 to 30/6/2022 for one production season. A total of 100 animals were used, consisting of 50 parents and 50 lambs, males and females; the ages of the ewes ranged from 3 to 5 years old. The sheep data used in the experiment were collected from the station records. The genetic part was also completed in the Marshes Research Laboratory at the University of Thi-Qar. The study aimed at the genetic polymorphism of the leptin gene and its relationship to the body dimensions of the Awassi sheep. The nitrogenous base sequence analysis of the leptin gene indicated a size of 260 base pairs, with a change in location 119 in the studied area. The homozygous CC genotype was more significant than the number of animals; the frequency of the C and T alleles was 0.65 and 0.35, respectively. There was no significant effect between the three genetic polymorphisms resulting from the mutation at site 119 of the studied plot on the body dimensions of the newborns as well as at weaning. Keywords: Polymorphism, leptin gene, body dimensions, Awassi sheep.