PCR-RLFP on IGFBP -3 gene and its association on growth performance of lambs reared intensively

IGFBP-3 is responsible for the multiple effects of growth factors in most mammalian species and is considered the major transport factor of growth, used as a marker for different body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, body weight control, immunity, energy balance, and so on. Considered as a candidate gene, used as a marker for the growth and production traits as its essential role in the growth and development of the animals. For the DNA extraction, the blood samples are obtained in the jugular vein using a 10 ml vacutainer containing EDTA as a coagulant in the blood collection of each animal Mis breed of sheep (M), Ile de France (F), and Wurttemberg (W). Isolation of DNA performed using the extraction kit (Quick DNA kit) with primers set the Forward and Reverse. The body weights of lambs from birth to 90 days of age, also been calculated. The results of the agarose gel electrophoresis of PCR amplified IGFBP-3 genes for sheep populations Wurttemberg (W), Mis (M), and Ile de France (F) had 654 bp. In our results showed an absence of polymorphism of the IGFBP-3 gene on the tested sheep populations. The results that there is no polymorphism between the examined sheep breeds, in terms of IGFBP-3 genes, we were interested whether there are differences in the body development of lambs of the mentioned populations because IGFBP-3 is related to the growth of animals. All three breeds have similar weights and growth dynamics, which could link to the growth hormone. Analyzing obtained results, we can suggest that absence of a large difference in the growth of the three breeds of sheep W, M, F does not have to be related to the absence of polymorphism of the IGFBP-3 gene but also other genetic and non-genetic factors can affect this trait. To detect the association between genetic polymorphism in IGFBP-3 genes and body development in lambs, DNA sequencing is required, which will be the subject of our future research.