Correlation between Polymorphism and Productive Traits of Texel × Kazakh Sheep Analyzed Using Microsatellite Markers

  Objective  Microsatellite markers were used to analyze the correlation between the genetic polymorphisms and productive traits of Texel×Kazakh sheep for breed improvement.

  Method  Eleven microsatellite marker sites were selected for the study. Genetic polymorphisms of 108 sheep were determined using PCR and capillary electrophoresis. Correlation between the genotypes and productive traits of the sheep at each site was analyzed.

  Result  A total of 91 alleles were detected at 11 microsatellite loci with an averaged number of alleles at 8.273, an observed heterozygosity at 0.428, an expected heterozygosity at 0.815, and a content of polymorphic information at 0.789. The following loci were found extremely significantly or significantly correlate with their corresponding traits: AMEL, ETH152, INRA006 and INRA023 loci with primary weight, weaning weight, pre-mortem weight, and weight of the salamander; CSRD247 locus with lengths of carcass and legs; INRA005, MAF214 and MCM527 with leg will be obliquely long, the legs are obliquely long and the ankle width; INRA172 and OARFCB20 with widths of hip, chest and shoulder; and, INRA063 with chest depth.

  Conclusion  The 11 selected microsatellite markers were rich in genetic polymorphisms among the sheep population. They all correlated in different degrees with the various productive traits of a sheep suggesting a potential tool in breeding of Texel×Kazakh sheep with increased meat producing capacity.